Mother & Childcare Index US

The Philips Mother and Childcare Index focuses on understanding the attitudes and experiences of mothers and children as it relates to health and well-being. This study follows on from the Philips Health and Well-Being Index, which examined the health and well-being of the overall populations of 30 markets globally (including the United States[1]).

This Mother and Childcare Index was conducted among 503 men and women with a child aged zero to five, or who are expecting a child. All men and women are aged 18-40 years old. Throughout this report the terms “mothers” and “fathers” are used to refer to our sample, as described here.

The key question areas focused on within the survey were:

• How American parents feel about the state of their current health and well-being, and that of their children?
• How frequently are American parents and their children going to the doctor?
• What impact are stress and sleep having on parents’ well-being?
• What healthcare facilities are available to mothers and what are their expectations and preferences of them at key moments in time such as labor and pregnancy?
• What are American parents’ experiences during pregnancy and after the birth of their child?
• What are the major concerns and priorities of mothers and fathers about parenthood as they look to the future?

The majority of American parents report that their overall feeling of health and well-being and that of their children is good or very good. However, there is room to improve the health and well-being of some American families. Below is a summary of key health and well-being issues impacting the dynamic of young American families. These issues could be keeping mothers, fathers and children from living to their full health and well-being potential. Some of these issues include stress over finances and job, concerns about being a parent, and concerns for the future related to education and the influence of drugs and social media on children.

For more details, download the complete report.

[1] The full report for the Philips Index for U.S. can be requested via the Philips Center for Health and Well-being: http://www.philips-thecenter.org/