Abstract
Unmarried mothers living in residential facilities (UMLFs) in Korea face complex and challenging physical, psychological, and socioeconomic issues. This study developed a physical and mental health promotion program using urban forests for UMLFs based on the transtheoretical model and evidence. We utilized an intervention mapping approach (IMA) and assessed the needs of UMLFs by analyzing previous quantitative studies. Moreover, we conducted a qualitative hermeneutic phenomenological study involving nine participants. Based on the needs assessment, important and changeable determinants were identified; further, the program performance and change objectives were classified to achieve the program goals and establish the intervention strategy. We found that physical activity using forests, self-reflection using metaphors, five-sense activities, achievement activities using natural objects, building interpersonal relationships in the forest, and designing future plans, are desirable methods for improving the health of UMLFs. The IMA was deemed appropriate for the systematic development of health promotion programs for UMLFs through clear links among change objectives, theoretical methods, and practice strategies. These results should be applied to future intervention studies.
Highlights
The extramarital birth rate in most Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries increased from less than 10% in 1970 to 24% and 41% in 1995 and 2018, respectively [1]
Most Unmarried mothers living in residential facilities (UMLFs) experience threats to their physical health owing to chronic fatigue from raising their children alone, without the support of their spouses or family [10]
interpretive phenomenological analysis (IPA) is an interpretive and exploratory analysis method that enables sophisticated and nuanced analysis with its core concern being psychological [33]. It is judged as suitable for an in-depth evaluation of the needs of UMLFs who face various mental health issues. This is supported by the argument that IPA, as an analysis method, is appropriate for groups of people with highly emotional and complex psychological needs, who can be considered as the vulnerable stratum [51]
Summary
The extramarital birth rate in most Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries increased from less than 10% in 1970 to 24% and 41% in 1995 and 2018, respectively [1]. Many low-income countries, such as in Latin. America and sub-Saharan Africa reported rates of extramarital birth as high as 24% to. The increase in extramarital births is related to a social climate that facilitates cohabitation of various types of families without legal marriage procedures [1]. This family arrangement has been linked to mothers’ lack of knowledge and financial constraints, especially in low-income countries [3]. Mothers raising children without legal marriage are referred to as unmarried mothers (UMs) [5]
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