The lifelong socioeconomic disadvantage of single-mother background - the Helsinki Birth Cohort study 1934–1944

• DOI: 10.1186/s12889-016-3485-z
• Publication Date: 2016-08-18T11:14:34Z
• Authors: H. Maiju Mikkonen; Minna K. Salonen; Antti Häkkinen; Maarit Olkkola; Anu-Katriina Pesonen; Katri Räikkönen; Clive Osmond; Johan G. Eriksson; Eero Kajantie
• Keywords: Disadvantage; Life course approach; Marital status; Educational Attainment; Biostatistics

Growing up with one parent is associated economic hardship and health disadvantages, but there limited evidence of its lifetime consequences. We examined whether being born to an unmarried mother socioeconomic position marital history over the lifespan.We analysed data from Helsinki Birth Cohort Study including birth, child welfare clinic school healthcare records people in Helsinki, Finland, between 1934 1944. Using a unique personal identification number, we linked these information on adult census at 5-year intervals 1970 2000, obtained Statistics Finland.Compared children married mothers, mothers were more likely have lower educational attainment occupational status (odds ratio for basic vs. tertiary education 3.40; 95 % confidence interval 2.17 5.20; lowest highest category 2.75; 1.92 3.95). They also less reach income third adulthood stay themselves. The associations present when adjusted childhood position.Being mother, society where marriage norm, disadvantage throughout life, above family status. This may part mediate association low later life.