Lone Mothers Are at Higher Risk for Cardiovascular Disease Compared with Partnered Mothers. Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III (NHANES III)

Lone mothers are a disadvantaged population, with research in several countries indicating that they experience low levels of physical and mental health. While research has demonstrated a socioeconomic gradient for cardiovascular disease (CVD), little research has explored lifestyle and clinical risk for CVD and prevalence of CVD events in lone mothers. The purpose of this study is (1) to compare select CVD lifestyle risks (smoking, obesity, physical activity), health, and relevant sociodemographic variables in partnered versus lone mothers; (2) to examine the relationship between partner status and having experienced a CVD event (myocardial infarction [MI], congestive heart failure [CHF], stroke). Data from the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III (NHANES III) included 1,446 women over 60 years with one or more children less than 17 years old. Lone mothers included women who were widowed, divorced, separated, never married, or married without the spouse living in the household (n = 623; weighted sample represents n = 3,904,450). Partnered mothers included women who reported living as married or married with the spouse in the household (n = 832; weighted sample represents n = 8,614,362). Weighted logistic regression was used to compare the prevalence of CVD risk factors in lone (43%) ver sus partnered (57%) mothers. Multivariate modeling was used to examine the relationship between partner status, CVD risks, and Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) events. Compared with partnered mothers, lone mothers were less educated and reported lower levels of income, health, and social support; and they were more likely to report non-White ethnicity. Lone mothers were more likely to be current smokers, overweight or obese, and physically active than partnered mothers. Those with clinical risks for CVD, including diabetes, elevated C-reactive protein, hypercholesterolemia, or hypertension, or all of these were more likely to be lone mothers. After adjusting for age, we found that mothers who had experienced a CVD event (MI, CHF, or stroke) were 3.3 times more likely to be a lone mother than a partnered mother (95% confidence interval (CI) 3.24, 3.31). Lone mothers are at increased risk for CVD. Health professionals and lone mothers should collaborate in the development of programs and policies not only to reduce lone mothers' risk for CVD, but also improve their conditions of living.