The health of caregivers – parents, grandparents, and childcare professionals – can greatly impact the quality of care they are able to provide children. Our work in this area has primarily focused on mothers and childcare providers, with several studies focused on intergenerational physical activity, and the use of mobile apps within integrated primary care settings.
Childcare Provider Wellbeing
Childcare providers spend a significant amount of time with children and influence the development of healthy behaviors. Unfortunately, the profession may be challenging to their mental and physical health.
We are planning and have conducted several studies to understand providers own wellbeing. A part of this work is offering a statewide annual Childcare Professionals Renewal Summit - a training focused on providers own wellbeing.
Sample Publications:
Feasibility of Using Smartphone Apps to Support Mental and Physical Wellbeing
Collaborating with colleagues at UNMC’s College of Nursing, Florida State University, and Mercer University School of Medicine we are exploring if and how smartphone apps could be used within integrated primary care to help patients improve the self-management of their depressive symptoms.
Sample Publications:
- A systematic review and exploration of smartphone app interventions for perinatal depression with case study
- Mental health mobile app use: Considerations for serving underserved patients in integrated primary care settings
- A qualitative exploration of the feasibility of incorporating depression apps into integrated primary care clinics
- Adaptation of digital navigation training for integrated behavioral health providers: Interview and survey study
Mothers
A mother's health is critical to the health of her overall family. As such, we have been conducting research regarding maternal well-being. The results of these studies will be used to inform future activities to improve maternal/infant health.
Coming Soon! Below are a few infographics providing an overview of our findings regarding the needs of pregnant and postpartum women in Omaha.
- Comparison of Top Challenges of Mothers and Service Providers
- Physical Activity & Breastfeeding: Perspectives of Omaha Area Mothers
Sample Publications:
- The impact of weight and sociodemographic factors on physical activity and sedentary behaviors of mothers with young children: A cross-sectional examination
- Mental and Physical Support (MAPS) for Moms: Preliminary findings from a prenatal health support program
- Workplace breastfeeding support varies by employment type: The service workplace disadvantage
Intergenerational Physical Activity
We collaborated with colleagues from the Department of Gerontology (UNO), University of Nebraska's Center for Reducing Health Disparities (UNMC), the Latino Center of the Midlands, and Together to explore interest in an intergenerational physical activity program for aging adults and children in the Hispanic/Latino community. We are continuing to seek funding for a full study.
Sample Publication: