Survey on Family Life and Needs of Single-Person Households: Focused on Family Center Users in 2023

This study examined the family life, program engagement, and policy support demands of single-person households associated with family centers across South Korea. Participants were recruited from 48 family centers, and the current study included 105 adults who met the criteria for single-person households. The assessment of family life focused on satisfaction, community participation, availability of support, and daily living challenges. The investigation of program engagement and demands for policy support included awareness of, and satisfaction with, diverse programs tailored for single-person households, and their expressed demands for support. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-tests, and F-tests. Results indicated that the family life satisfaction of single-person households scored an average of 7.7 out of 10. Community engagement and perceived availability of help were slightly above the median value. The greatest challenge for single-person households was maintaining a balanced diet. Overall, no significant differences in these features of family life across gender or age groups. Regarding program engagement, awareness of support programs for single-person households was higher among women than men, and satisfaction with these programs was higher among those in their 20s and 50s compared to those in their 40s. In terms of demands for policy support, housing stability support was the top priority for those in 20s to 40s, while family leisure/cultural activity support was most demanded by those in their 50s. This study highlights the importance of understanding the characteristics of single-person households using family centers nationwide and offers direction for the management and enhancement of support programs.