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Occupational balance in parents of pre-school children: Potential differences between mothers and fathers
Sara Uthede1, Ida Nilsson2, Petra Wagman3
1Ekerö Rehab Västra, Primärvårdsrehabilitering, Stockholm, Sweden.
Background:
Parents of young children are a vulnerable group with an increased risk of stress-related health problems compared to adults without children. Low occupational balance has been identified as a risk factor for stress-related disorders.
Aim:
The study aimed to describe occupational balance in parents of pre-school children and to explore potential differences between mothers and fathers.
Method:
Data were collected by a web-based survey based on the Occupational Balance Questionnaire (OBQ11). A total of 302 working parents (200 mothers and 102 fathers) with at least one child under seven years of age were included in the study.
Findings:
Mothers reported lower occupational balance than fathers with a median value of 10 for mothers and 12 for fathers (p = 0.029). Mothers rated significantly lower than fathers in three items; 'Balance between work, home, family, leisure, rest and sleep', 'Having sufficient time for doing obligatory occupations' and 'Balance between doing things for others and for oneself'.
Conclusion:
The results indicate that caring for pre-school children may negatively impact both parents, impacting mothers' occupational balance to a greater degree.
Significance:
Occupational therapists' knowledge could be utilised to increase awareness of the importance of occupational balance within health services and improve mothers' occupational balance.
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