COVID-19 attributed Changes of Home and Family Responsibilities among Single Mothers

Lockdown measures during COVID-19 have presented increased challenges in the home and family responsibilities. Single mothers may face unique challenges as they may be isolated from external family supports. Changes on a 19-item home and family work role survey pre- and post-COVID were tested with a paired t-test and sign test; the impact of age and people in the home was assessed using linear regression. There was a significant increase (p < 0.05) in 6/19 post-COVID-19 family responsibilities. In comparison to pre-COVID-19, post-COVID-19 single mothers reported a statistically significant median increase in family responsibilities (Mdn = .0000), p < .041. Each additional person living in the home was associated with a decrease in family responsibilities (B = -13.1, 95% CI [-21.943, -4.247]). Changes in the home and family responsibilities confirm that COVID-19 led to increased unpaid work to fulfill home and family responsibilities among single mothers.