Health-Related Quality of Life Among Working Mothers

Abstract

The quality of life (QOL) for working mothers is often overlooked, leading to distress and challenges. Factors such as changing societal attitudes, increased economic needs, and higher education levels have contributed to a more substantial female labor force. Balancing work and family responsibilities is particularly challenging for mothers working outside the home. The privatization trend and the growth of nuclear households have led to discord about roles and responsibilities, making it difficult to strike a work-life balance. In many countries, the expectation persists that women should juggle multiple roles, including being a mother, wife, daughter, and employee, while men are expected to contribute more to household chores. This research aims to shed light on the lived realities of women and the various societal functions they serve, especially during times of nuclear family breakdown. Working women, especially, require skilled assistance in caring for their young children while they are at work, and the domestic duties they handle impact the entire family.

The study utilizes a customized demographic data form based on the WHOQOL-BREF instrument to examine 53 working moms in India. By exploring the intricate relationships between work, family, and personal health, the research highlights the specific challenges faced by this demographic. While most working mothers reported an overall good quality of life, many expressed struggles such as having an excessive workload, insufficient time to relax, and difficulties in balancing work and home life. To gain a deeper understanding of working mothers' QOL, future studies should incorporate longitudinal designs, qualitative methodologies, and comparisons across workplaces or cross-sections.