New dads who take paternity leave less likely to suffer alcohol abuse: study
New dads who take paternity leave less likely to suffer alcohol abuse: study New York Post
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Study Shows Paternity Leave Reduces Alcohol-Related Hospitalizations Among Fathers
Introduction
Welcoming an infant can be an overwhelmingly daunting duty, owing to the late-night feedings, constant crying, incessant diaper changes and total lack of sleep.
The unprecedented pressures of parenting have even prompted a few frazzled and fatigued first-time fathers to drink themselves sick.
The Impact of Paternity Leave on Alcohol Consumption
An October 2023 study from the Department of Public Health Sciences of Stockholm University in Sweden found that new fathers who take paternity leave from their jobs have a significantly reduced risk of being hospitalized due to alcohol consumption. The study revealed a 34% decrease in alcohol-related hospitalizations among fathers in the two years after birth, with smaller decreases up to eight and 18 years after birth.
Benefits of Paternity Leave
The study authors, Helena Honkaniemi and Sol Juárez, emphasized that job-protected and adequately reimbursed parental leave can offer respite to fathers during the transition to parenthood. This period is often defined by financial instability and poor work-life balance. The authors suggest that this respite could result in decreased coping behaviors such as alcohol consumption. Additionally, fathers who spend more time at home may also be encouraged to practice greater behavioral self-regulation around their children, leading to fewer opportunities for leisure-time alcohol use.
Paternity Leave in Sweden
Since the paid parental leave system was first made available in Sweden in 1974, the proportion of days away from the office claimed by fathers has increased from 1% to 30%. In 1995, when Swedish fathers were granted 30 days of paid leave, the percentage of fathers taking advantage of the time off spiked from 43% to 75%, demonstrating psychiatric improvements among new fathers. Today, parents in Sweden can use up to 480 days of job-protected paid leave together, with 390 days reimbursed at around 80% of parents’ income and 90 days at a universal flat rate.
Paternity Leave in the United States
In contrast to Sweden, the benefits of bringing up babies aren’t as good for working parents in the United States. While there is no federal law guaranteeing paid parental leave, the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) provides up to 12 weeks of unpaid parental leave to eligible employees in connection with the birth or adoption of a child. However, FMLA is only available to certain employees in certain states and is often at the discretion of the employer based on the company’s size.
Advocacy for Change
The study highlights the need for policymakers to consider implementing paid paternal leave policies to promote more gender-equal participation in childcare and reduce alcohol-related harms among fathers. The authors hope that their findings inspire global change.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis:
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- SDG 5: Gender Equality
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
The article discusses the impact of paternity leave on fathers’ alcohol consumption and mental health, highlighting the importance of parental leave policies in promoting well-being and gender equality. It also mentions the differences in paid parental leave between Sweden and the United States, indicating the need for reduced inequalities in access to such benefits.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- Target 3.5: Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol.
- Target 5.4: Recognize and value unpaid care and domestic work through the provision of public services, infrastructure, and social protection policies and the promotion of shared responsibility within the household and the family.
- Target 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value.
- Target 10.4: Adopt policies, especially fiscal, wage, and social protection policies, and progressively achieve greater equality.
The article addresses the targets related to substance abuse prevention (Target 3.5), recognition of unpaid care work (Target 5.4), decent work and equal pay (Target 8.5), and reducing inequalities (Target 10.4).
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
Yes, the article mentions indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:
- Alcohol-related hospitalizations and deaths: This indicator can be used to measure progress towards Target 3.5 (strengthening the prevention and treatment of substance abuse).
- Proportion of fathers taking paternity leave: This indicator can be used to measure progress towards Target 5.4 (recognizing and valuing unpaid care work) and Target 8.5 (achieving full and productive employment and decent work).
- Access to paid parental leave: This indicator can be used to measure progress towards Target 10.4 (reducing inequalities).
These indicators reflect the impact of paternity leave policies on alcohol-related hospitalizations, gender equality in caregiving responsibilities, and the availability of paid leave for fathers.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | Target 3.5: Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol. | – Alcohol-related hospitalizations and deaths |
| SDG 5: Gender Equality | Target 5.4: Recognize and value unpaid care and domestic work through the provision of public services, infrastructure, and social protection policies and the promotion of shared responsibility within the household and the family. | – Proportion of fathers taking paternity leave |
| Target 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value. | – Proportion of fathers taking paternity leave | |
| SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | Target 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value. | – Proportion of fathers taking paternity leave |
| SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities | Target 10.4: Adopt policies, especially fiscal, wage, and social protection policies, and progressively achieve greater equality. | – Access to paid parental leave |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: nypost.com
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