Tsuguhiko Kato1, Kenji Takehara2, Maiko Suto2, Makiko Sampei3, Kevin Y Urayama4. 1. Department of Social Medicine, National Center for Child Health and Development, 2-10-1 Okura, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 157-8535, Japan. Electronic address: kato-tg@ncchd.go.jp. 2. Department of Health Policy, National Center for Child Health and Development, 2-10-1 Okura, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 157-8535, Japan. 3. Department of Social Medicine, National Center for Child Health and Development, 2-10-1 Okura, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 157-8535, Japan. 4. Department of Social Medicine, National Center for Child Health and Development, 2-10-1 Okura, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 157-8535, Japan; Graduate School of Public Health, St. Luke's International University, 3-6-2 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The early life period provides a critical foundation for child health and development, and mothers exert great influence as primary caregivers. Previous studies have shown that single-motherhood is associated with negative child outcomes. In Japan, few studies have addressed the situation faced by single-mothers with young children, such as living conditions and mental health issues. METHODS: We utilized nationwide data from the Comprehensive Survey of Living Conditions (2016), collected by the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare and compared mothers from single-mother households with those from two-parent households, with further subdivision by intergenerational cohabitation. Socio-demographic characteristics, lifestyle habits, psychological distress, subjective health status, and stress were examined. RESULTS: We observed that single-mothers without intergenerational cohabitation seemed to experience harsh living conditions compared to other types of households. Severe psychological distress was observed in 11% of single-mothers without cohabitation compared with 6% among single-mothers with cohabitation and 4% among mothers of two-parent households. Multivariate analysis adjusting for demographic variables showed about a two-fold increased risk of severe psychological distress (OR=2.34, 95% CI: 1.71-3.22) associated with single-mothers without intergenerational cohabitation compared to mothers from two-parent household without cohabitation. Single-mothers without cohabitation tended to smoke and drink alcohol frequently and seemed sleep-deprived. LIMITATIONS: Due to the cross-sectional design, we could not make inference on causality. CONCLUSIONS: Our study highlighted needs for targeted support for single-mothers without intergenerational cohabitation. Efforts in public health and other related fields may present opportunities to reduce negative intergenerational impacts of adversities among socially vulnerable families.
BACKGROUND: The early life period provides a critical foundation for child health and development, and mothers exert great influence as primary caregivers. Previous studies have shown that single-motherhood is associated with negative child outcomes. In Japan, few studies have addressed the situation faced by single-mothers with young children, such as living conditions and mental health issues. METHODS: We utilized nationwide data from the Comprehensive Survey of Living Conditions (2016), collected by the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare and compared mothers from single-mother households with those from two-parent households, with further subdivision by intergenerational cohabitation. Socio-demographic characteristics, lifestyle habits, psychological distress, subjective health status, and stress were examined. RESULTS: We observed that single-mothers without intergenerational cohabitation seemed to experience harsh living conditions compared to other types of households. Severe psychological distress was observed in 11% of single-mothers without cohabitation compared with 6% among single-mothers with cohabitation and 4% among mothers of two-parent households. Multivariate analysis adjusting for demographic variables showed about a two-fold increased risk of severe psychological distress (OR=2.34, 95% CI: 1.71-3.22) associated with single-mothers without intergenerational cohabitation compared to mothers from two-parent household without cohabitation. Single-mothers without cohabitation tended to smoke and drink alcohol frequently and seemed sleep-deprived. LIMITATIONS: Due to the cross-sectional design, we could not make inference on causality. CONCLUSIONS: Our study highlighted needs for targeted support for single-mothers without intergenerational cohabitation. Efforts in public health and other related fields may present opportunities to reduce negative intergenerational impacts of adversities among socially vulnerable families.
Authors: Takuto Naito; Yasutake Tomata; Tatsui Otsuka; Kanami Tsuno; Takahiro Tabuchi Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2022-04-01 Impact factor: 3.390