The relationship between disability and parental status: a register study of the 1968 to 1970 birth cohorts

Abstract

Background Having children is a major life course event yet some disabilities could make it biologically challenging and some others could limit access to necessary socioeconomic resources. To date, there is relatively little data on disability and parental status and our study aimed to investigate this relationship. Methods This longitudinal cohort study was based on register data obtained from all people born in Sweden from 1968 to 1970 (n = 440220). We performed descriptive analyses, graphical plots, logistic regression, and Cox regression analyses. Results Our findings from both logistic regression and Cox regression indicated that individuals that started to receive disability benefits at an early age had reduced chances of having children during the follow-up duration. Men with disabilities were less likely to have children when compared to women with disabilities and to men and women without disabilities. Conclusions We found evidence that disability during early adulthood was associated with reduced chances of having children. Findings support policies and programmes aimed at promoting optimal health during early adulthood, as this would promote continued labour force participation, reduce early use of disability benefits, and possibly improve chances of becoming a parent.

Is teenage parenthood associated with early use of disability pension? Evidence from a longitudinal study

“…Disability pension (DP) is considered an important part of the public support programs for people with disabilities, it is a salary replacement for people of working age with long-term health limitations preventing them from working [1]. Several countries in Europe have witnessed an increase in the proportion of young adult recipients of DP [1][2][3], which has prompted inquiries into the associated risk factors [3][4][5][6][7]. The life course approach is used to explore how various factors through life influence health and the subsequent use of DP [5][6][7][8].…”

“…Several countries in Europe have witnessed an increase in the proportion of young adult recipients of DP [1][2][3], which has prompted inquiries into the associated risk factors [3][4][5][6][7]. The life course approach is used to explore how various factors through life influence health and the subsequent use of DP [5][6][7][8]. This approach asserts that exposure to certain risk factors at different periods of growth and development in life has a long-term influence on the development of chronic diseases [9].…”