Modeling upstream socioeconomic inequities and syndemic conditions among mothers over time

Objectives Mothers in lower social locations are particularly vulnerable to the syndemic conditions of substance abuse, violence, and HIV/AIDS (SAVA), yet few studies have examined the impact of upstream socioeconomic inequities as salient determinants of syndemic conditions in their lives. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) receipt, TANF sanctions, and economic hardship (EH) on SAVA syndemic conditions that included indicators of substance use, HIV risk-taking behaviors, and intimate partner violence among mothers over time. Methods Using data from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study (n = 4,898), we investigated the longitudinal measurement invariance of a proposed measure of syndemic conditions among mothers over five waves and performed path analysis to investigate the relationships between TANF use, TANF sanctions, and EH with syndemic conditions. Results Analyses revealed the presence of SAVA syndemic conditions and EH predicted increased SAVA in subsequent waves. Relationships between reported race of the mother and the sanctioning of TANF benefits and increased SAVA were also noted. Conclusions This study has implications regarding race, welfare policy and sanctioning practices, and the socioeconomic determinants of health that drive syndemic conditions among mothers in the United States.