The relationship between maternal employment and adolescent nutritional status and risks to cardiovascular health

Abstract

Data from a 1997 study on the dietary intake and presence of coronary heart disease risk factors among adolescents aged 14-18 years were used in the analyses for this thesis. Previously, blood samples were obtained from participants and dietary intake was obtained via 24-hour recall and 2-day diet records. Mothers of the participants answered questionnaires pertaining to work variables including work commitment, autonomy, importance, history, schedule regularity, hours worked per week, income, and occupational prestige. Relationships between maternal employment variables and adolescent diet variables and variables related to adolescent cardiovascular health were analyzed using Pearson's product moment analysis and linear regression analysis. Daughters' body mass indexes, and intakes of niacin, iron, selenium, sodium, protein, and calories were predicted by maternal work commitment. Daughters' subscapular skinfold thicknesses were predicted by their mothers' feelings of belonging at work. Daughters' percentage of calories from total fat, monounsaturated fat, and polyunsaturated fat was predicted by the importance of rewards to their mothers. Daughters' intakes of niacin, vitamin B₆, folate, vitamin A, and zinc were predicted by the degree of importance that their mothers placed on their work. Daughters' body mass indexes were predicted by maternal work involvement. Daughters' intakes of thiamin and calcium were predicted by maternal job autonomy. Sons' intakes of niacin, vitamin B₁₂, and caffeine were predicted by maternal work commitment. Sons' subscapular skinfold thicknesses and intakes of thiamin, riboflavin, vitamin B₆, folate, vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium were predicted by the amount of rules and regulations their mothers were subject to at work. Sons' body mass indexes, and intakes of pectin were predicted by their mothers' loyalty to their employer. More research is needed that examines the relationship between maternal employment and its effect on adolescent nutritional status and risks to cardiovascular health.