Characteristics And Well-Being Of Informal Caregivers: Results From A Nationally-Representative US Survey

ASU Author/Contributor (non-ASU co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Erin Bouldin, Assistant Professor, PhD (Creator)
Institution
Appalachian State University (ASU )
Web Site: https://library.appstate.edu/

Abstract: Given ongoing concerns about high levels of burden reported among some informal caregivers, the goal of this study was to characterize their socio-demographics, health, and well-being. Using cross-sectional data from a large nationally representative survey in the United States (N= 438,712) we identified adults who provided informal care to friends or family members with a health problem, long-term illness, or disability. Descriptive statistics and propensity matching were used to characterize caregivers and compare their health and social support to socio-demographically-similar adults who were not caregivers. Logistic regression models examined associations between caregiving and respondents’ mental health, general health, perceived social support, and sleep problems. A total of 111,156 (25.3%) participants reported being caregivers, most of whom reported good mental health (90%) good general health (83%), and adequate social support (77%). After adjusting for respondents’ gender, caregivers reported worse mental health than non-caregivers (odds ratio (OR)= 1.35, 95% confidence interval (CI)= 1.31–1.39 for >15 days poor mental health in the past month) but better general health (OR= 0.96, 95%CI= 0.94–0.98 for fair or poor health). Men caregivers reported somewhat worse overall health than non-caregivers (OR= 1.09, 95%CI= 1.05–1.13) whereas women reported better overall health.

Additional Information

Publication
Trivedi, R., Beaver, K., Bouldin, E., Eugenio, E., Zeliadt, S., Nelson, K., Rosland, A., Szarka, J., Piette, J. (2014). "Characteristics and well-being of informal caregivers: Results from a nationally-representative US survey." Chronic Illness, Vol 10, Issue 3, pp. 167 - 179. https://doi.org/10.1177/1742395313506947. Publisher version of record available at: http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1742395313506947
Language: English
Date: 2014
Keywords
Caregiver, survey, informal caregiving

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