Single moms often receive a lot of flack for, well, being single moms, whereas single dads are patted on the back for "stepping up" to their parenting responsibilities. A study published online this week should give single moms a boost, however. Apparently, when it comes to their children's health, single moms are way ahead of single dads in terms of health behaviors.
Researchers examined data from over 62,000 children (0-17 years) in the United States. They found that only 1/2 of children in single-father families saw a doctor for a check-up. Conversely, more than 2/3 of children in single-mother households received a "well-child" check-up. Further, children in single-mother families had a lower risk of drug use, had fewer problems in school, and exhibited fewer risky behaviors compared to children in single-father families - all this despite the fact that single moms are more likely to be poor, which is a risk factor for both limited health care access and a variety of health problems.
Why are moms better than dads at getting their kids in for a check-up? The authors of the study suggest that single moms may have a better grasp of the public programs available to them. The authors also suggest that dads may be bigger risk-takers, whereas moms don't want to take a chance with their children's health. Clearly, this is an area for more research. Meantime, single moms everywhere should be applauded for taking care of their children's health.
Researchers examined data from over 62,000 children (0-17 years) in the United States. They found that only 1/2 of children in single-father families saw a doctor for a check-up. Conversely, more than 2/3 of children in single-mother households received a "well-child" check-up. Further, children in single-mother families had a lower risk of drug use, had fewer problems in school, and exhibited fewer risky behaviors compared to children in single-father families - all this despite the fact that single moms are more likely to be poor, which is a risk factor for both limited health care access and a variety of health problems.
Why are moms better than dads at getting their kids in for a check-up? The authors of the study suggest that single moms may have a better grasp of the public programs available to them. The authors also suggest that dads may be bigger risk-takers, whereas moms don't want to take a chance with their children's health. Clearly, this is an area for more research. Meantime, single moms everywhere should be applauded for taking care of their children's health.
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