Individual, family, and community factors related to loneliness in mothers raising children less than 3 years of age: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background Loneliness in mothers raising children under 3 years of age is a major challenge. The purpose of this study was to identify the individual, family, and community factors associated with loneliness among mothers raising children under 3 years of age with social isolation as a mediator. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted using anonymous self-administered questionnaires. The target population was all 649 mothers of children under 3 years of age visiting a public health center in Yokohama City and eligible for child health examinations between November 2019 and February 2020. The study measures included loneliness (10-item version of the UCLA Loneliness Scale), social isolation (Lubben Social Network Scale [LSNS-6]), demographic data, individual factors, family factors, and community factors from an ecological systems model. Social isolation was classified based on the LSNS-6 cutoff points. Multiple regression analysis was conducted to examine the association between loneliness and individual, family, and community factors with social isolation as a mediator. Results A total of 531 participants (81.8% response rate) responded, and 492 (75.8% valid response rate) were included in the analysis. Loneliness was significantly higher in the isolated group (n = 171, 34.8%) than in the non-isolated group (n = 321, 65.2%) (mean = 22.3, SD = 5.6 and mean = 17.6, SD = 4.6, respectively). Factors associated with high loneliness included individual and family factors (a high number of parenting and life concerns [β = 0.211, p < 0.01], not eating breakfast every day [β = 0.087, p < 0.05], and fewer partners’ supportive behaviors for household duties and childcare [β = − 0.240, p < 0.001]) and community factors (fewer people to consult about parenting [β = − 0.104, p < 0.01] and low community commitment [β = − 0.122, p < 0.05]) with social isolation as a mediator. Conclusion Referral to a counseling organization to alleviate worries about parenting and the creation of a child-rearing environment to enhance the recognition of the community may be considered. These findings could help develop intervention programs for the prevention or alleviation of loneliness experienced by mothers and prevent the associated health risks among mothers and child outcomes.

Parenting, Social Isolation, and Loneliness Among New Parents During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Japan: A Pilot Study

“…Moreover, parental loneliness was correlated with the perceptions of parenting, especially the negative aspects. Although these results were similar to a previous study that was conducted before the COVID-19 pandemic, 8 it was possible that parental loneliness among new parents was accelerating more than ever before. New parents were forced to isolate due to the pandemic, from pregnancy to after childbirth, and deterred from building satisfying social relationships.…”

Social Isolation, Loneliness and Health: A Descriptive Study of the Experiences of Migrant Mothers With Young Children (0–5 Years Old) at La Maison Bleue

“…The findings of this study highlight the importance to also address migrant mothers' disappointment and unhappiness with their social connections. Tackling their loneliness requires increasing their sense of belonging, fostering meaningful and positive friendships with people who they can identify with, and helping them construct a network that will provide reassurance and a sense of community (36,37,42).…”

“…Motherhood was a key element underpinning the women's experiences of social isolation and loneliness. Postpartum and early childhood are known to be periods when mothers may feel isolated and lonely (36)(37)(38)(39)(40). Contributing factors include the burden of care and responsibility related to the mothering role, which can result in women feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, and physically, psychologically and socially disconnected from the outside world (2,40).…”

Development of information dissemination methods that contribute to improving maternal and child healthcare using social networking sites: a community-based cross-sectional study in Japan

“…The local government needs to do a better of conveying their message: "Child-rearing is not something that you do alone; you, your family, and your community will do it together". The importance of the work of health professional has been mentioned in previous studies [21], and it is thought that communicating the role of the local government in supporting child rearing might help reduce the social and emotional loneliness of mothers.…”