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 how to integrate 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:
Mothers Mental and Physical Wellbeing
A mother's health is critical to the health of her overall family. As such, we have been conducting research regarding maternal well-being including the development and use of mobile mental health apps. The results of these studies will be used to inform future activities to improve maternal/infant health.
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
- A systematic review and exploration of smartphone app interventions for perinatal depression with case study
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:
