Work-Family Conflict and Self-Rated Health: the Role of Gender and Educational Level. Baseline Data from the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil).

Rosane Härter Griep,Susanna Toivanen,Dóra Chor,Leidjaira Lopes Juvanhol,Cornelia Van Diepen,Joanna M N Guimarães,Lidyane V Camelo,Estela M Aquino

doi:10.1007/s12529-015-9523-x

Abstract

PurposeThis study examined gender differences in the association between work–family conflict and self-rated health and evaluated the effect of educational attainment.MethodWe used baseline data from ELSA-Brasil, a cohort study of civil servants from six Brazilian state capitals. Our samples included 12,017 active workers aged 34–72 years. Work–family conflict was measured by four indicators measuring effects of work on family, effects of family in work and lack of time for leisure and personal care.ResultsWomen experienced more frequent work–family conflict, but in both genders, increased work–family conflict directly correlated with poorer self-rated health. Women’s educational level interacted with three work–family conflict indicators. For time-based effects of work on family, highly educated women had higher odds of suboptimal self-rated health (OR = 1.54; 95 % CI = 1.19–1.99) than less educated women (OR = 1.14; 95 % CI = 0.92–1.42). For strain-based effects of work on family, women with higher and lower education levels had OR = 1.91 (95 % CI 1.48–2.47) and OR = 1.40 (95 % CI 1.12–1.75), respectively. For lack of time for leisure and personal care, women with higher and lower education levels had OR = 2.60 (95 % CI = 1.95–3.47) and OR = 1.11 (95 % CI = 0.90–1.38), respectively.ConclusionWomen’s education level affects the relationship between work–family conflict and self-rated health. The results may contribute to prevention activities.

Highlights

Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil 5 Postgraduate Program in Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Minas Gerais, Brazil 6 Institute of Collective Health, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, BrazilWith greater participation of women in the workforce over recent decades in most parts of the world, both men and women are involved in work and family life [1, 2]
Most previous studies have distinguished between genders, and the results generally show a higher prevalence of work–family conflict and suboptimal self-rated health among women [36, 40, 41], some studies found similar results in men and women [27, 32, 34]
We found that educational level modified these associations, but only among women

Summary

Introduction

The female-to-male labour force participation rate increased from 52.2 % in 1990 to 73.3 % in 2010 and has continued to increase steadily [3, 4] This is good for the emancipation and economic independence of women but can have its drawbacks as women and men need to balance their responsibilities at home and work. The division of household tasks and childcare responsibility between working men and women, has not undergone similar changes and is still unequal [5]. It varies by country and region [6].

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