Perceived health needs of single mothers attending university in Newfoundland and Labrador: a focus group study

Snow, Nicole (2005) Perceived health needs of single mothers attending university in Newfoundland and Labrador: a focus group study. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

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Abstract

The pursuit of a university education is not without challenge. For single mothers, the additional role of student can be quite taxing. Published studies have examined the experiences of working single mothers and those in low-income situations. Little is known of the health concerns facing single mothers who commit considerable time, energy and financial resources to attaining a university degree. -- Using a phenomenological approach to focus groups and critical social theory as a contextual background, single mothers attending full time university studies in Newfoundland and Labrador were interviewed. The focus group transcripts were then analysed using Zemke and Kramlinger's approach (1982). Five themes emerged: "If l were only a student;" "Doing it alone;" "Surviving economically;" "There's not much left of me;" and "I've found my strength." -- The findings represent the complex experiences and challenges facing these women. Nursing must become committed to developing a greater understanding of the issues facing marginalized groups such as single mothers in order to better support and meet their needs.

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