Factors associated with the quality of life of caregivers of elderly individuals in home care

Authors

  • Caroline Gomes Ferreira USP; Faculdade de Saúde Pública; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Saúde Pública
  • Tiago da Silva Alexandre USP; Faculdade de Saúde Pública; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Saúde Pública
  • Naira Dutra Lemos UNIFESP; Escola Paulista de Medicina; Programa de Assistência Domiciliária ao Idoso

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1590/S0104-12902011000200012

Keywords:

Home Care, Caregivers, Quality of Life, Elderly

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate whether the quality of life (QOL) of caregivers of elderly individuals in home care is influenced by socio-demographic characteristics, the support network offered to the caregiver and variables related to the act of providing care. Forty caregivers of elderly individuals in a home care program in the city of São Paulo (Brazil) were interviewed. QOL was measured using the Brazilian version of the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36). Socio-demographic characteristics and variables related to the support network offered to the caregiver and to the act of providing care were obtained through a complementary questionnaire. Linear regression analysis demonstrated an independent relation between greater number of hours dedicated to care and three SF-36 subscales: functional capacity, physical aspects and emotional aspects. Having more than eight years of schooling denoted a better score on the general health state subscale and a worse score on the social aspects subscale. Caregivers over 60 years of age achieved a worse score on the physical aspects subscale and women achieved a worse score on the pain subscale. Sons/daughters or spouses who take care of their parents or partners achieved a worse score on the emotional aspects domain. Caregivers who had changed their routine in order to offer care achieved a worse score on the mental health subscale. Socio-demographic factors, the support network offered to the caregiver, and factors related to the dynamics of care can have a negative influence over the QOL of the main caregivers of elderly individuals in home care.

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Published

2011-06-01

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Section

Articles

How to Cite

Factors associated with the quality of life of caregivers of elderly individuals in home care . (2011). Saúde E Sociedade, 20(2), 398-409. https://doi.org/10.1590/S0104-12902011000200012