Kristine Siefert, PhD, MPH¹, Tracy L. Finlayson, BS², Amid Ismail³, Jorge Delva, PhD¹, and David R. Williams, PhD⁴. (1) School of Social Work, NIMH Reseach Center on Poverty, Risk, and Mental Health, University of Michigan, 1080 S. University, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, (734) 763-6201, ksiefert@umich.edu, (2) School of Public Health, University of Michigan, 109 S. Observatory, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2029, (3) School of Dentistry, University of Michigan, 1011 N. University, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1078, (4) Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Dept. of Sociology and Survey Research Center, PO Box 1248, Ann Arbor, MI 481-06-1248

Background: Depression is highly prevalent in poor mothers and is associated with significant impairment in social and occupational functioning, as well as deleterious effects on child development. African American mothers are overrepresented among the poor and are at especially high risk. However, in this population, traditional risk factors such as low socioeconomic status are ubitiquous and difficult to modify. Thus, identifying specific and modifiable risk factors for depression has important implications for detection and intervention.

Methods: Data are from the Detroit Dental Health Project, (NIDCR grant U-54 DE 14261-01). The sample included 938 mothers of children under 6 from the 39 poorest census tracts in Detroit. Nested logistic regression models estimated the effects of specific and modifiable poverty-related risk factors, while controlling for a broad array of traditional risk factors for maternal depression.

Results: In a population of very poor mothers with high levels of depressive symptoms (CESD>16=33%, >26=15%), we found that specific and modifiable risk factors such as household food insufficiency significantly predicted maternal depression beyond global sociodemographic risk factors such as education or household income. Access to transportation, childcare, help with errands, and a loan in a serious financial crisis were associated with a significantly decreased risk of depression.

Conclusion: These findings have practical implications for the identification, treatment, and prevention of maternal depression.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe specific and modifiable poverty-related risk factors for maternal depression
• Discuss alleviating specific poverty-related risk factors as a strategy for reducing the public health burden of maternal depression

Keywords: Depression, Poverty

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.