A new study by the UPV/EHU's OPIK research team clearly shows significant gender differences in the impact that motherhood and fatherhood have on people's health. The research, led by investigator Anna Barbuscia, emphasizes that for men, becoming a father barely alters health indicators, whereas for women, the number and age of children are directly linked to their well-being and a reduced tendency to engage in physical exercise.
Having children marks a significant turning point in life, causing biological, psychological, and social changes. However, this impact is not the same for everyone. Barbuscia explains that "having children has greater consequences for mothers' health, both in the short and long term, not only due to the biological changes brought about by pregnancy and childbirth but also due to psychological consequences. Our results show a large gender gap."
The study analyzed the relationship between motherhood and fatherhood and various health indicators, such as psychological well-being, perception of health status, physical exercise, alcohol consumption, and smoking. In men, being a father or family characteristics do not alter health indicators; all parameters remain virtually the same. For women, however, the age and number of children influence health. Mothers with a single child and those with teenagers may experience more depressive symptoms, while those living with two or more young children perceive a better health status.
Regarding health habits, the results confirm that women engage in less regular physical exercise than men, and this gap widens when they have children. Only 16% of mothers with young children practice physical exercise regularly, compared to 30% of women without children. Among men, however, there are hardly any differences between fathers and non-fathers. This suggests that motherhood reduces time for self-care, affecting an important habit like physical exercise.
Barbuscia states that sharing responsibilities more would help reduce the detected inequalities. "It is not enough to facilitate work-life balance. It is also necessary for mothers to have time to care for their health and well-being. Investing time in these matters is investing in health," she said. If the goal is to build healthy families and promote the birth rate, it should start from here: education should not have such a different impact between women and men.
