Multidimensional Discrimination Toward Single-Parent Families and Its Association With Depressive Symptoms of Parents: Cross-Sectional Study in South Korea

Abstract

Background: Discrimination toward single-parent families (SPFs) is prevalent at structural and individual levels. Objective: This study examined the association between perceived discrimination toward SPFs and parental depressive symptoms in South Korea. Methods: This study included a nationally representative sample of 3300 single mothers (n=2205, 66.8%) and fathers (n=1095, 33.2%). Single parents' perceptions of discrimination toward SPFs were measured using eight items evaluating the discrimination toward both participants and their children, which were categorized into four groups (lowest, low, high, and highest). Depressive symptoms were evaluated using the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire. To examine the association between discrimination toward SPFs and depressive symptoms in single mothers and fathers, logistic regression models were used, and adjusted odds ratios and 95% CIs were calculated. Results: Of all participants, 11.7% (n=386) reported depressive symptoms. The prevalence of depressive symptoms was 7.7% (57/744), 6.4% (44/684), 8.2% (54/659), and 21.7% (155/714) among individuals with the lowest, low, high, and highest levels of discrimination, respectively. Compared to those experiencing the lowest level of discrimination, the highest level of discrimination was associated with 5.10-fold (95% CI 3.33-7.79) and 6.12-fold (95% CI 2.80-13.39) higher odds of depressive symptoms among single mothers and fathers, respectively. Further analyses demonstrated that discrimination directed toward both oneself and one's children was associated with depressive symptoms. Conclusions: Discrimination against SPFs was prevalent in Korea and associated with depressive symptoms in both single mothers and fathers.