Depressive Symptoms and Obesity/Weight Gain Factors Among Black and Hispanic Pregnant Women

Abstract

This study examined the relationships between depressive symptoms and obesity/weight gain factors in 56 Black and Hispanic pregnant women and the differences in these variables between the 2 ethnic groups. Of the women, 32% were likely depressed, 66% were overweight/obese, and 45% gained excessive gestational weight. Depressive symptoms were positively correlated with prepregnancy body mass index (BMI; r = .268, p = .046), inversely related to gestational weight gain (r = –.329, p = .013), and not associated with excessive gestational weight gain. Black women were more likely to have excessive gestational weight gain than Hispanic women. Prepregnancy BMI and gestational weight gain data can be useful in identifying pregnant women with depression.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The authors thank Lauren Tomey, RN, BSN, Barbara Amerman, MS, RD, CD, Maureen Lindsey, MSW, LSW, and Lisa Gettys, MSW, LSW, for their input to recruitment strategies and data collection. They also thank Phyllis Dexter, RN, PhD, for her comments during manuscript preparation.