Factors associated with employment of mothers caring for children with intellectual disabilities

OBJECTIVES: This study investigated employment, financial, and health issues of Japanese mothers with school-aged children with disabilities, and factors associated with participants’ employment. METHODS: A survey was conducted with 243 Japanese mothers with children aged 6 to 18 years old enrolled in a Special Education Needs School for intellectually disabled children. The mothers’ employment, income, health, and time spent caregiving were compared with those of other Japanese mothers using population data. Multiple logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify factors associated with the mothers’ employment status. RESULTS: Participants showed a lower employment rate (49%) compared with the average rate (71%) among Japanese mothers with children aged between 6 and 18 years old who lived in the same region. Over half (57%) of unemployed mothers expressed a desire to work. About 62% of mothers belonged to a lower income group, compared to 33% of Japanese families rearing children. The mothers’ single-parent status, good health, college-level education, use of childcare services, and children’s age were positively associated with paid employment. In particular, mothers’ good health was strongly associated with their paid employment. CONCLUSION: Mothers caring for children with disabilities showed lower workforce participation and lower income than other Japanese mothers. The majority of unemployed mothers showed a desire for paid employment. Further maternal health care and social support are needed to support these mothers’ workforce participation.