5133.0: Wednesday, November 15, 2000 - 1:00 PM

Abstract #12700

Family health and job loss among women leaving welfare for work

Alison Earle, PhD, School of Public Health, Department of Health and Social Behavior, Harvard University, 1637 Tremont Street, Boston, MA 02120, 617-432-2607, aearle@hsph.harvard.edu

There is substantial evidence showing that disparities in economic well-being can lead to differential health outcomes. In this paper I investigate whether this relationship is bi-directional. I examine a sample of women who have been on welfare and test whether caring for family members’ health affects job retention, a critical step towards stable employment and the ability to leave poverty. Specifically, I examine the effect of having a disability and the effects of having a child with asthma and other chronic health and developmental conditions. I also test whether workplace conditions such as paid leave and health insurance mitigate the negative effects of poor family health on job retention. I analyze a large, nationally representative, 17-year longitudinal survey of 6283 women. Using a sample of over 2000 jobs held by women who had been on welfare, I estimate logistic regression models to determine the importance of family health measures and workplace conditions in predicting the end of a job. Identifying the factors that influence job retention is important for improving the economic well-being and therefore health of all workers, but especially for the poor who are at increased risk of health problems and who have been pushed into jobs with no safety net as a result of welfare reform. My findings can inform public and workplace policies aimed at reducing health inequalities through reductions in job and wage loss, or through the improved working conditions enabling working adults to meet their family’s health needs.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, the participant in the session will be able to:

  1. Identify family health conditions that influence the likelihood of a job ending among women leaving welfare for work.
  2. Describe the ways in which the implementation of Welfare Reform may impact the health of low-income working families and health inequalities in the U.S.
  3. Discuss a range of public and workplace policies that may reduce health inequalities by improving working families' ability to meet their health needs and by reducing job turnover.

    Keywords: Children's Health, Welfare Reform

    Presenting author's disclosure statement:
    Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
    I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

    The 128th Annual Meeting of APHA