Work-family conflict, sociodemographic characteristics, role demands and health-seeking behaviour of working mothers in urban Ghana

Research has primarily focused on the direct health outcomes of work-family conflict (WFC), such as subjective health and well-being, while overlooking health-seeking behaviour (HSB) as a critical behavioural response. Based on the Married Women and Work-Family Interface in Urban Ghana dataset, this study employed a generalised ordered logit model to examine the influence of WFC and sociodemographic factors on the frequency of HSB of working mothers (n = 1194). Results show that increased WFC significantly reduces the likelihood of frequent healthcare visits, indicating that competing demands between work and family roles hinder timely healthcare access. Additionally, older age and family demands decrease the frequency of health-seeking behaviour, while informal employment and higher work demands are associated with increased healthcare utilisation. The reduced frequency of healthcare engagement associated with WFC has implications for compromised physical and mental well-being and diminished overall quality of life of working mothers, with potential consequences for families and communities more broadly. Our study underscores the critical need for workplace policies that mitigate WFC, such as flexible working hours and mental health support, to promote proactive health behaviours. The findings call for comprehensive interventions that consider both work and family contexts to foster healthier, more balanced lives among working mothers navigating multiple roles.