Separation from children as a specific risk factor to fathers' health and lifestyles

objectives: The study was to examine whether fathers living apart from thei r children following divorce or separation ("fathers without children") dif fer in their health-related lifestyles and attitudes, and in their health s tatus, from fathers in intact family settings ("fathers with children"). Methods: Data was acquired by means of a self-administered questionnaire wi thin an exploratory cross-sectional survey. Results: Fathers without childr en differed in their lifestyle patterns, parameters of satisfaction, health , and health related orientations from fathers with children. Negative life styles could be observed in fathers who had a low income and saw their chil dren only rarely. Conclusions: Separation from their children is a major life crisis for fath ers. Subgroups could be identified who had significant health risks. Due to study design, conclusions on causation are not possible. Longitudinal stud ies are necessary to yield more detailed impact for prevention.