Caregiver depression is associated with hair cortisol in a low-income sample of preschool-aged children.

摘要: Abstract Background Caregiver depression and child temperamental characteristics such as effortful control have been associated with dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Hair cortisol concentrations (HCC) has increasingly adopted an integrated marker HPA axis activity. This study examined associations between caregiver depressive symptoms, social support, control, HCC in a sample high-risk, low-income preschool-aged children. Methods 154 caregivers comprised mostly mothers their children (2-to-5 years) who were enrolled birth cohort conducted poor urban neighborhoods Sao Paulo, Brazil. Through personal interviews at homes, provided ratings psychosocial experiences child’s behavior. was sampled from least 3-cm hair length. Results In multivariable regression analysis, unadjusted model showed age to be negatively (β = -0.32, p Conclusions The elevated among reporting greater risk is consistent prior findings showing exposed persistent stress. Stabilization may occurring within preschool given negative association age. Greater research needed determine whether effects support can captured through HCC.