Características socioeconómicas de la madre soltera no conviviente en un área periférica de Santiago

Abstract

A survey was performed, from November 1982 through January 1983, to study socioeconomic features and emotional aspects of 100 single mothers (34 under 20 years of age) without current cohabitation and with children younger than 2 years, under control at “Consultorio Dr. Carlos Avendaño”, Western Metropolitan Health Service. Most outstanding results were:
34% of mothers were younger than 20 years (median age 21,7 years). 89% had a schooling from 5th basic to secondary education.
24% had more than one child, with different fathers in 17 cases.
43% of children were not legally acknowledge by their fathers who were making economic contributions only in 360/o. Mothers did it in 27%.
Dwellings had no potable water at home and no sewage connection in 16% (1 out of 6).
92% of surveyed were living with their families (71% with parents), being this the main source of income.
Emotional ties with their children were qualified as regular o bad in 3%. 60% of mothers had no emotional relations with children’s fathers and 4% had stablished a new relation with another man.
76% of women did not want another pregnancy and yet only one third (22 cases) was using a contraceptive method.