Understanding Maternal Health Outcomes Among Latina Mothers of Children With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: The Roles of Social Determinants and Sociocultural Contexts.

Abstract

Latinx families of children with disabilities are at disproportionally high risk of adverse health outcomes, including overweight, obesity, and depression. Research on specific social determinants and sociocultural factors that impact their health remains limited. In this study, we examined how social determinants of health (SDOH) and sociocultural contexts are related to maternal health outcomes in a sample of 105 Latina mothers of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in the United States. Mothers were interviewed by phone or video conference call and were asked about maternal and child demographics, maternal chronic health conditions, SDOH indicators, and sociocultural factors (family cohesion and social support). Conditional process models were conducted for the maternal health outcomes measured by body mass index (BMI) and depressive symptoms. High levels of overweight, obesity, and depressive symptoms were observed among these mothers. SDOH related to BMI and/or depressive symptoms included annual household income, home ownership, neighborhood safety, and perceived discrimination. Family cohesion and social support were related to lower depressive symptoms but were not associated with BMI. The study findings emphasize the importance of considering SDOH when developing support programs for Latina mothers of children with IDD.