Abstract 4366836: Health-Related Social Needs and Social Support are Key Predictors of Stress and Food Literacy in Black Post-Partum Mothers

Background: Cardiometabolic complications of pregnancy warrant the attention of health professionals. Evidence suggests that lifestyle counseling, health education, and specific dietary interventions may assist mothers with managing risks of cardiovascular disease after pregnancy. Significant barriers that one may face while adapting to changes with lifestyle behaviors include a lack of resources, less social support, and knowledge deficits related to disease prevention and health promotion. Food literacy is a key component of dietary education and should be further explored among post-partum mothers, especially when social needs persist and increase stress. Further research is needed to examine the relationship of stress and social support with food literacy in post-partum populations. Hypothesis: Food literacy will be lower for those with higher stress, unmet social needs, and inadequate social support. Methods: A sample of 49 Black post-partum females was analyzed from an ongoing randomized clinical trial with a peer educational support intervention for various health needs. Regression analyses were performed to examine the associations between the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and Short Food Literacy Questionnaire (SFLQ) with the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) and the Health-Related Social Needs Screening tool (HRSN). Results: The average age of the women was 31.6 +/- 4.9 years old. The majority were single (59.2%), had a high school diploma or less education (59.1%), employed (55.1%), renting (85.7%), and had a monthly income < $2917 (63.3%). The regression model examining stress as the outcome with HRSN and social support as predictors accounted for 58.5% of the variance (F (2,45)=34.12, p<.001), with HRSN accounting for 24.9%. A regression model for food literacy as the outcome with social needs (HRSN) and social support (MSPSS) as predictors accounted for 45.9% of the variance (F(2,42)=19.68, p<.001) with HRSN accounting for 5.9%. For both models, social support was a strong predictor for food literacy and stress. The social needs score was also a strong predictor of perceived stress. Conclusions: Social support from peers and family members are essential in the provision of stress management activities and dietary education interventions. Ensuring social needs are met may reduce post-partum stress, reduce cardiovascular risks, and therefore improve health outcomes in this population.