An Ecological Perspective on Rural, Low-Income Mothers' Health

Abstract

Using structural equation modeling, this study examined interactions among factors traditionally associated with health outcomes within a sample of rural low-income mothers. Prior research has established that education, employment, income, marital status, and health insurance coverage independently predict health outcomes. However, no studies have examined the simultaneous influence of these factors as conceptualized from an ecological systems perspective. Results indicate that when the multiple factors are considered simultaneously, different effects emerge. Implications are that the context in which these women live and the interactions between and among key influencing factors must be considered when addressing health challenges in rural areas.

Understanding Multiple Behavioral Risk Factors for Cancer in Rural Women

“…Rural communities tend to have limited health care resources, and their residents frequently experience barriers to health information and care (Bice‐Wigington, Simmons, & Huddleston‐Cassas, ; Smalley et al., ). This study suggests that rural women are engaging in multiple unhealthy behaviors that increase their risk for cancer.…”

COVID-19 attributed Changes of Home and Family Responsibilities among Single Mothers

“…This study revealed that single mothers already assumed more than half of the workload in many aspects of family role responsibilities prior to the pandemic, but that shutdowns exacerbated their disproportionate family responsibilities. The interrelated challenges due to loss of childcare, schooling, and jobs exacerbated family responsibilities ( Bice-Wigington et al, 2015 ). The long-term consequences of these disproportionate challenges are not yet known for single mothers.…”

Latino Solo Grandparents Raising Grandchildren

“…Earlier studies suggest that persons with low-SES (socioeconomic status) backgrounds are more likely to smoke, be obese, and not exercise regularly (Bice-Wigington, Simmons, & Huddleston-Casas, 2015). Our findings were in keeping with the previous literature.…”