Date of Award
2007
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science
Program
Epidemiology and Biostatistics
Supervisor
Dr. Karen Campbell
Second Advisor
Dr. Bin Xie
Third Advisor
Dr. David De Wit
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine a hypothesized causal relationship testing whether breastfeeding serves as a mediating pathway variable between maternal psychosocial distress and infant development. A longitudinal prospective study was conducted by telephone interview with 665 mothers and their children. Structured interviews, using standardized measures, were conducted prenatally and again when the children were greater than 24 months old. The hypothesized causal relationship was examined by path analysis, which indicated that, while breastfeeding did not act as a mediator, increased breastfeeding duration was significantly associated with an elevation in infant development score. Findings were similar for both male and female infants. In addition, increased postnatal psychosocial distress was generally associated with impaired infant development. These findings demonstrate the need to carefully monitor prenatal maternal psychological symptoms, for the health of both mother and infant. Increased breastfeeding duration may also confer advantages to both mother and child in regard to infant development.
Recommended Citation
Switzer, Lauren Heather, "MATERNAL PSYCHOSOCIAL DISTRESS AND BREASTFEEDING AND THEIR IMPACT ON INFANT DEVELOPMENT" (2007). Digitized Theses. 4968.
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/digitizedtheses/4968