Examining longitudinal associations between self-reported depression, anxiety and stress symptoms and hair cortisol among mothers of young children

Maternal mental health is critically important given its impacts on both women's and children's outcomes. Hair cortisol concentrations (HCC) may provide insight into physiological processes underpinning health. This study investigated associations between mothers’ self-reported symptoms their HCC at 1, 2 3 years postpartum. Longitudinal of Australian mothers recruited for experience adversity in pregnancy (‘[email protected]’ trial, N=722). Mental were using the Depression, Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS). Associations DASS total subscale scores estimated linear regression generalized estimating equation (GEE) models, examining associations: each age; across all ages (multivariate GEE); with persistence high symptom severity. Missing data addressed multiple imputation. 546/722 (76%) women provided least one hair sample (71% 61% 2, 49% years). or not evident time points. Only dichotomized depression severity was associated higher GEE models (?=0.12, p=0.04). There no evidence years. The measured preceding week whereas captured average over three months. amongst experiencing represent patterns general population. Considered context existing literature, these findings suggest that provides limited early postpartum