Disparities in healthcare utilization and depression among young mothers: The role of family functioning

Extant research suggests that disparities in healthcare utilization and experiences of mental health disorders such as depression exist across sociodemographic groups. One understudied pathway that may have significant implications for these disparities is the role of family functioning. How families interact, communicate, and adapt may vary, but these relationships remain integral for vulnerable subsets of the population due to their seemingly protective properties. Yet, few studies have examined the relationship between family functioning and health.

The aim of this study was to explore family functioning as a predictor for healthcare utilization and depression among young mothers and as a moderator of disparities for each of these outcomes.

This analysis uses data from a prospective cohort study which was conducted with 296 pregnant young women recruited from obstetrics clinics in Connecticut between July 2007 and February 2011 and followed 1-year postpartum. Logistic regression models were used to assess family functioning, race/ethnicity, and immigrant status as predictors of healthcare utilization and depression. Family functioning was evaluated as a moderator for both outcomes.

Black and Latina mothers had decreased odds of using physical healthcare services (odds ratio_Black = 0.13, p < 0.001; odds ratio_Latina = 0.31, p = 0.02). Family functioning was associated with decreased odds of using mental healthcare services (odds ratio = 0.97, p = 0.04) and had a protective effect against depression (odds ratio = 0.96, p = 0.003). Family functioning significantly moderated the relationship between immigrant status and physical healthcare utilization, Black race/ethnicity and physical healthcare utilization, and Other race/ethnicity and depression.

Family functioning is a significant factor associated with both healthcare utilization and depression among young mothers. It should be a strongly considered component within healthcare settings to mitigate risks among vulnerable populations.