G Mohan1,2. 1. Economic and Social Research Institute, Whitaker Square, Sir John Rogerson's Quay, Dublin 2, D02 K138, Ireland. 2. Department of Economics, Trinity College, Dublin 2, D02 PN40, Ireland.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Energy poverty, typified by cold homes and/or an inability to afford energy bills, presents risks to the mental health of occupants. Parents of young children may be especially susceptible to a mental health toll from energy poverty since they have a significant care obligation and spend much of their day at home. METHODS: Data from the Growing Up in Ireland study inform this longitudinal analysis. RESULTS: A 1.64 greater odds of maternal depression were estimated for households containing young children characterized by energy poverty [P = 0.000; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.31-2.05]. For energy poor households with older children (9 years and above), the odds of maternal depression were also higher [odds ratio (OR) 1.74, P = 0.001; 95% CI: 1.27-2.39]. Fathers of young children had greater odds of depression in energy poor households (OR 1.59, P = 0.002; 95% CI: 1.19-2.12), though the deleterious effect on mental health was not statistically significant for fathers of older children. CONCLUSIONS: Energy poverty increases the likelihood of depression in parents. These findings merit policy attention since a mental health burden is in itself important, and more widely, parental well-being can influence child development and outcomes.
BACKGROUND: Energy poverty, typified by cold homes and/or an inability to afford energy bills, presents risks to the mental health of occupants. Parents of young children may be especially susceptible to a mental health toll from energy poverty since they have a significant care obligation and spend much of their day at home. METHODS: Data from the Growing Up in Ireland study inform this longitudinal analysis. RESULTS: A 1.64 greater odds of maternal depression were estimated for households containing young children characterized by energy poverty [P = 0.000; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.31-2.05]. For energy poor households with older children (9 years and above), the odds of maternal depression were also higher [odds ratio (OR) 1.74, P = 0.001; 95% CI: 1.27-2.39]. Fathers of young children had greater odds of depression in energy poor households (OR 1.59, P = 0.002; 95% CI: 1.19-2.12), though the deleterious effect on mental health was not statistically significant for fathers of older children. CONCLUSIONS: Energy poverty increases the likelihood of depression in parents. These findings merit policy attention since a mental health burden is in itself important, and more widely, parental well-being can influence child development and outcomes.
Authors: Laura Oliveras; Carme Borrell; Irene González-Pijuan; Mercè Gotsens; María José López; Laia Palència; Lucía Artazcoz; Marc Marí-Dell'Olmo Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2021-06-02 Impact factor: 3.390