Lisa L Black

Literature suggests an association between poverty, gender, and health. The Financial Success Program (FSP) provides financial education and support to low-income, single mothers. This study assessed the effect of the FSP on health and quality of life in participants and their children. From 2011-2012, 36 women and 28 children were enrolled. Indicators of health and quality of life were assessed pre-and post-year-long intervention. In addition to improvements in financial outcomes, participants demonstrated a significant reduction in fast food consumption and significant improvements in hopefulness and quality of life. Over 30% of mothers experienced weight loss, 52% a reduction in BMI, and 41% a reduction in body fat percentage. Many children experienced reductions in BMI and BMI percentile. In this chapter we report on the health effect of financial education in low-income single mothers. When designing multifaceted community-based cardiovascular risk reduction programs, financial stress should be addressed through education.

Financial stress is a condition that occurs commonly in the United States, especially in single-mothers and their children. This stress can be a barrier to optimal health and wellness. In an effort to reduce financial stress and improve money management skills in low income, single mother families, the Financial Success Program (FSP) was created. This novel program provides education and support to an underserved population and may also improve the health and well-being of the women and children enrolled. Through a unique inter-professional collaboration, a study was initiated to assess the effect of financial education on health indicators in single-mother families. A thorough discussion of the FSP and inter-professional model will be discussed as a framework for addressing public health needs in a financially stressed population.