A Qualitative Study of Single Mothers at Subsidized Housing: Health and Well-Being Needs of Single Mothers and Their Children

Background and Purpose: Single-parent households have been growing in the U.S. Over 10 million families are headed by a single parent and about 80% of them are single mothers. Many single-mother households face socioeconomic challenges including poverty, low education, and limited employment options. Single mothers and their children are likely to experience poor health outcomes (e.g., emotional and behavioral health problems, chronic physical illnesses, etc.), compared to two-parent households. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development provides subsidized housing support to many low-income single mothers. Existing literature suggests poor physical and mental health of subsidized housing residents. However, empirical research focusing on the health and well-being of single-mother households in subsidized housing, particularly those living in underserved communities such as the US-Mexico border region is very limited. This study aimed to assess health and well-being needs of single mothers and their children living in subsidized housing in the US-Mexico border region.

Methods: Participants of this qualitative research include single mothers with a child age 3-17 who live in subsidized housing in the US-Mexico border region (n=32; M_age 44.56±8.34 years). Six semi-structured focus group interviews were conducted to identify challenges, concerns, resources, and needs related to health and well-being of single mothers and their children. A focus group ran between 1 hour to 1 and ½ hours. Thematic analysis was utilized.

Results: Findings from focus groups highlight that single mothers often prioritized their children’s health and well-being over their own, delaying help-seeking and self-care. Barriers to single mothers’ health and well-being were closely associated with social determinants of health, such as the affordability and accessibility of healthcare services and neighborhood factors. These mothers utilized resources such as faith, resilience, and family support. Multiple areas including economic and social support were identified as needs for their health and well-being. Participants identified various mental health concerns of their children. Limited services and resources, social media/technology, and safety and security issues at school and neighborhood were reported as barriers for their children’s health and well-being. Participants voiced the need for affordable and accessible programs for social and emotional development of their children, and programs that strengthen positive relationships within the family. Findings of the study facilitated further academic-community engagement to provide health fair at subsidized housing.

Conclusions and Implications: Our findings highlight various concerns and challenges that low-income single mothers and their children in the US-Mexico border region face to maintain their health and well-being. Multilevel approaches are needed to address structural, systematic, and clinical barriers and promote health and well-being of single mothers and their children at subsidized housing through coordinated services.