Parenting students and indicators of financial stability, health, and academic success: Findings from a population-based sample of public urban university students-Reference-Cited by-同舟云学术

Parenting students and indicators of financial stability, health, and academic success: Findings from a population-based sample of public urban university students

Published:2023-10-23 Issue: Volume: Page:
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Author:

Sanborn Jenna¹^ORCID,Manze Meredith¹,Watnick Dana²

Affiliation:

1. CUNY School of Public Health: City University of New York School of Public Health

2. Albert Einstein College of Medicine

Abstract

Abstract Parenting students constitute a significant portion of the college population, with 22% of undergraduate students nationwide managing the dual responsibilities of parenthood and education. This study examines the health, financial, and academic aspects of parenting students attending a large, urban public university, specifically comparing single parents to their married or cohabiting counterparts and non-parenting students in New York City. We collected data from 2,104 participants, including 142 single parents and 119 married or cohabiting parents, through a cross-sectional survey. Using adjusted regression models, we evaluated the associations between parenting status and financial, health, and academic factors. Our findings reveal that, in comparison to non-parents, single parents are significantly more likely to carry debt (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.81), rely on food assistance (aOR: 5.03), and achieve slightly lower GPAs (β: -0.11). Single parents also work more hours (aOR: 1.66) and have an increased likelihood of facing debt (aOR: 2.66), housing difficulties (aOR: 2.80), food insecurity (aOR: 2.21), and lower GPAs (β: -0.22) compared to their married or cohabiting peers. The disaggregation of single and married or cohabiting parents reveals significant disparities, emphasizing the vulnerability of single parenting students in higher education. Targeted interventions addressing issues like food security and housing are essential to support the academic success of single parents.

Publisher

Research Square Platform LLC

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