Lone motherhood and risk for cardiovascular disease: the National Population Health Survey (NPHS), 1998-99

To examine whether lone parenthood among Canadian women is associated with risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD).

The sample was from the National Population Health Survey (NPHS) and it included 2,184 mothers (women with dependent children < 18 years of age) of whom 478 were lone (22%) and 1,706 (78%) were partnered mothers. Descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regression were undertaken with weighted data.

Compared to partnered mothers, lone mothers were significantly younger, and reported lower levels of education and income. Lone mothers reported significantly lower levels of health, less social support, and more distress and depression than partnered mothers. Further, lone mothers were significantly more likely to be smokers than partnered mothers. Odds ratios for being a lone mother and current smoker on social assistance in this analysis was 4.15 (95% CI 2.27-7.60), and for those reporting low or mid/high incomes respectively, were 2.99 (1.51-5.90) and 3.01 (1.93-4.70). There were no significant differences between the two groups for obesity or physical activity.

Smoking is a significant CVD lifestyle risk for lone mothers. Smoking occurred in the context of considerable life stress, depression, and distress pointing to links between health behaviour, psychosocial factors, and CVD health. These results suggest that lone mothers are a key target group for primary prevention in the CVD field. Programs and policies that support lone mothers in their goals of attaining healthier lifestyles have the potential to contribute to the prevention of cardiovascular disease in Canadian women.