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Sanjuán-Quiles Á, Alcañiz-Garrán MDM, Montejano-Lozoya R, Ramos-Pichardo JD, García-Sanjuán S. [The perspective of caregivers from a gender analysis.]. Rev Esp Salud Publica 2023; 97:e202307062. [PMID: 37415488 PMCID: PMC10541258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Gender influences the provision of family caregiving, identifying inequalities in the distribution of care-related tasks. The aim of this study was to analyze the gender influence in family caregiving, provided by elderly while, identifying the sociodemographic characteristics of caregivers. METHODS Mixed, descriptive and phenomenological study was made. Eight women and five men aged seventy and over participated who cared for dependent people at home, selected by intentional sampling in Valencia. The analysis of the in-depth interviews was carried out in three stages: reading to the participants of the transcripts for their verification; discrimination of units of meaning; eidetic and phenomenological reduction to obtain the statements of meaning. Frequencies and percentages were calculated. RESULTS The mean age, educational level and years dedicated to care were higher in caregivers. Caregivers had a greater burden related to caregiving. Three categories influenced by androcentric culture were idenfied: vital perspective; reasons that support care; coping strategies. 90% of female caregivers cared out of moral obligation, compassion, reciprocity, and love; and 80% of male caregivers by responsibility and reciprocity, obtaining a satisfactory achievement and learning. Both developed resilience skills, reaching higher levels of adaptation. Male caregivers used more protective coping mechanisms and 50% of female caregivers obtained the most comforting support from religion. CONCLUSIONS Gender determines the meaning given to the experience of caring. The reasons and coping strategies in men and women are different.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ángela Sanjuán-Quiles
- Departamento de Enfermería; Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud; Universidad de Alicante.Universidad de AlicanteAlicanteSpain
| | - María del Mar Alcañiz-Garrán
- Escuela de Enfermería La Fe; Universidad de Valencia. Universidad de ValenciaGrupo de investigación en Arte y Ciencia en Cuidados; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IISLAFE).Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IISLAFE)ValenciaSpain
| | - Raimunda Montejano-Lozoya
- Escuela de Enfermería La Fe; Universidad de Valencia. Universidad de ValenciaGrupo de investigación en Arte y Ciencia en Cuidados; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IISLAFE).Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IISLAFE)ValenciaSpain
| | - Juan Diego Ramos-Pichardo
- Departamento de Enfermería; Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud; Universidad de Huelva.Universidad de HuelvaHuelvaSpain
| | - Sofía García-Sanjuán
- Departamento de Enfermería; Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud; Universidad de Alicante.Universidad de AlicanteAlicanteSpain
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Maximiano-Barreto MA, de Morais Fabrício D, de Lima Bomfim AJ, Luchesi BM, Chagas MHN. Psychological Concerns Associated with Empathy in Paid and Unpaid Caregivers of Older People: A Systematic Review. Clin Gerontol 2022:1-14. [PMID: 35726494 DOI: 10.1080/07317115.2022.2090879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Identify associations between psychological concerns and empathy (affective and cognitive domains) in paid and unpaid caregivers of older people. METHODS A systematic review of the literature was conducted. Searches were performed in the Pubmed, Web of Science, PsycINFO, Scopus and Embase databases using the search terms "Empathy," "Caregiver," "Depression," "Burnout," Anxiety", Caregiver Burden" and "Psychological Stresses" and the Boolean operators "AND" and "OR." No restrictions were imposed regarding language or year of publication. This review was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42021267276). RESULTS Twelve articles met the inclusion criteria and were included in the present review. Most studies involved the participation of unpaid caregivers. Higher levels of empathy were associated with greater psychological concerns. Regarding affective empathy, direct associations were found with depressive symptoms, anxiety and stress. In contrast, high levels of cognitive empathy were associated with fewer depressive symptoms as well as less stress and burnout syndrome. CONCLUSIONS An association was found between greater affective empathy and psychological impairment in caregivers of older people. Higher levels of cognitive empathy can help minimize psychological concerns. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS Working on empathic ability among caregivers of older people in different environments can contribute positively to the emotional impact of caregiving. Moreover, empathetic cognitive training among caregivers can serve as a strategy to minimize the negative consequences of the impact of caregiving.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Daiene de Morais Fabrício
- Research Group on Mental Health, Cognition and Aging, Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos, Brazil
| | - Ana Julia de Lima Bomfim
- Research Group on Mental Health, Cognition and Aging, Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos, Brazil
- Department of Neuroscience and Behavior, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Bruna Moretti Luchesi
- Research Group on Mental Health, Cognition and Aging, Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos, Brazil
- Campus de Três Lagoas, Federal University of Mato Grosso Do Sul, Três Lagoas, Brazil
| | - Marcos Hortes Nisihara Chagas
- Research Group on Mental Health, Cognition and Aging, Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos, Brazil
- Department of Neuroscience and Behavior, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
- Bairral Institute of Psychiatry, Itapira, Brazil
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Aza A, Gómez-Vela M, Badia M, Begoña Orgaz M, González-Ortega E, Vicario-Molina I, Montes-López E. Listening to families with a person with neurodegenerative disease talk about their quality of life: integrating quantitative and qualitative approaches. Health Qual Life Outcomes 2022; 20:76. [PMID: 35525943 PMCID: PMC9077340 DOI: 10.1186/s12955-022-01977-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The diagnosis of a neurodegenerative disease (ND) produces profound changes in the quality of life of the affected families. Despite the vital importance of these processes, the scientific literature has addressed this topic almost exclusively relating to the main caregiver or using limited approaches. Thus, the main objective of this research is to achieve a deeper understanding of the quality of family life of people with a neurodegenerative disease, following a mixed-method approach that combines quantitative and qualitative methodology. Methods The quantitative instrument was the Spanish version of the Family Quality of Life Survey-Neurodegenerative Disease (FQOLS-ND), which was completed by 300 participating families. The qualitative methodology was used in two focus groups with family caregivers, with a total of 21 participants. Results On the one hand, confirmation of the dimensional structure of the scale in the focus groups was obtained and, on the other hand, the results of family quality of life in attainment and satisfaction were shown to be high for Family Relations and Careers and Planning for Careers and low for Support from Services and Leisure and Recreation. Conclusions The results of this study, through the combination of quantitative and qualitative information, helps to identify key issues to optimize services that respond to the priority needs of families. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12955-022-01977-z.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alba Aza
- Institute on Community Integration (INICO), Faculty of Psychology, University of Salamanca, Avda. De la Merced, 109-131, 37005, Salamanca, Castile and Leon, Spain.
| | - María Gómez-Vela
- Institute on Community Integration (INICO), Faculty of Education, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Marta Badia
- Institute on Community Integration (INICO), Faculty of Psychology, University of Salamanca, Avda. De la Merced, 109-131, 37005, Salamanca, Castile and Leon, Spain
| | - M Begoña Orgaz
- Institute on Community Integration (INICO), Faculty of Psychology, University of Salamanca, Avda. De la Merced, 109-131, 37005, Salamanca, Castile and Leon, Spain
| | | | | | - Estrella Montes-López
- Department of Sociology and Communication, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
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Barrios CL, Gornall V, Bustos-López C, Cirac R, Calvo P. Creation and Validation of a Tool for Evaluating Caregiver Burnout Syndrome in Owners of Dogs ( Canis lupus familiaris) Diagnosed with Behavior Disorders. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:1185. [PMID: 35565611 PMCID: PMC9103032 DOI: 10.3390/ani12091185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Currently, domestic dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) are the most common species among companion animals. The close bond that can grow between owners and their dogs could be worn out and finally broken due to various causes. One main cause is canine behavioral problems, leading to dogs being abandoned or euthanized due to the costs faced by the owner when caring for the animal. Tools have been developed to evaluate the mental and emotional cost of caring for humans, but there is currently no validated tool for evaluating this particular problem. The objective of this study was to develop a questionnaire to evaluate caregiver burnout syndrome for owners of dogs with behavioral disorders. The methodology used consisted of drafting the tool, peer validation using the Delphi methodology and internal validation via Cronbach's alpha. Non-linear snowball sampling was used (n = 156 participants). A questionnaire with 35 questions was obtained which referred to various aspects of caregivers' lives. Regarding the description of the sample used, 50% had Low Burnout, 41% had Medium-Low Burnout and 9% had Medium-High Burnout. Furthermore, regarding the internal validation of the questionnaire, the general Cronbach's alpha coefficient was α = 0.9468. We can thus conclude that the questionnaire is valid for measuring caregiver burnout syndrome in owners of dogs with behavioral disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Luz Barrios
- Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Facultad de Ciencias, Ingeniería y Tecnología, Universidad Mayor, Camino La Pirámide 5750, Huechuraba 8580745, Región Metropolitana, Chile;
| | - Vanessa Gornall
- Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Facultad de Ciencias, Ingeniería y Tecnología, Universidad Mayor, Camino La Pirámide 5750, Huechuraba 8580745, Región Metropolitana, Chile;
| | - Carlos Bustos-López
- Departamento de Ciencias Básicas, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Santo Tomás, Av. Ejército Libertador 146, Santiago 8320000, Región Metropolitana, Chile;
| | - Rosa Cirac
- Investigador Independiente, Sant Andreu del Palomar, 08030 Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Paula Calvo
- Cátedra Animales y Sociedad, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, 28933 Madrid, Spain;
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Fernández-Portero C, Alarcón D, Gallardo-Flores A, Amián JG, Sánchez-Medina JA. Effectiveness of a Mindfulness-Based Intervention Program for Women Family Caregivers of Older Adults. Healthcare (Basel) 2021; 9:healthcare9091216. [PMID: 34574990 PMCID: PMC8465928 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare9091216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The objective of this study was to analyze the effectiveness of a mindfulness-based intervention program for the promotion of well-being and health in family caregivers. METHODS The participants were 111 family women caregivers aged between 33 and 75 years old. This was a double-blinded randomized controlled trial. The mindfulness intervention program lasted 12 weeks. The experimental group underwent mindfulness and acceptance-based interventions (MABIs). The control group performed physical activity training. RESULTS A cross-lagged panel analysis was computed with the two waves of health, well-being, burden and resilience and age in years and intervention as predictors. The cross-lagged path model fit well χ2 (8) = 7.179, p = 0.51, root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) = 0.00, comparative fit index (CFI) = 1.00, standardized root mean square residual (SRMR) = 0.05. The mindfulness intervention program was a significant predictor accounting for decreasing health problems (β = -0.292, p < 0.01) and burden (β = -0.190, p < 0.01) and increasing well-being (β = 0.107, p < 0.05) at post-test. CONCLUSIONS Mindfulness-based intervention programs are effective in coping with the burden of family caregivers and, in turn, in promoting resilience, well-being and health among caregivers. Our findings encourage clinical uses of mindfulness interventions to promote health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Fernández-Portero
- Deparment of Social Antropology, Psychology and Public Health, Pablo de Olavide University, 41013 Sevilla, Spain; (C.F.-P.); (J.G.A.); (J.A.S.-M.)
| | - David Alarcón
- Deparment of Social Antropology, Psychology and Public Health, Pablo de Olavide University, 41013 Sevilla, Spain; (C.F.-P.); (J.G.A.); (J.A.S.-M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-95-4977-406
| | - Ana Gallardo-Flores
- Deparment of Social Work and Social Services, Pablo de Olavide University, 41013 Sevilla, Spain;
| | - Josue G. Amián
- Deparment of Social Antropology, Psychology and Public Health, Pablo de Olavide University, 41013 Sevilla, Spain; (C.F.-P.); (J.G.A.); (J.A.S.-M.)
| | - Jose A. Sánchez-Medina
- Deparment of Social Antropology, Psychology and Public Health, Pablo de Olavide University, 41013 Sevilla, Spain; (C.F.-P.); (J.G.A.); (J.A.S.-M.)
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Fajardo Ramos E, Nuñez Rodríguez ML, Henao Castaño AM. Resilience in In-Home Caregivers of Older Adults during the COVID-19 Pandemic. REVISTA LATINOAMERICANA DE BIOÉTICA 2021. [DOI: 10.18359/rlbi.4813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: This study aims to identify the resilience level in formal and informal in-home caregivers of older adults in Ibagué during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional study with a convenience sample of 49 formal and informal in-home caregivers of older adults. We administered the Brief Resilient Coping Scale (BRCS), an instrument consisting of four items, to these caregivers. The questionnaire was self-completed and, in some cases, answered by telephone. The data were collected in April 2020. Results: 35 women and 14 men participated in this study. The formal (69.4 %) and informal caregivers, mostly family (30.6 %), were between 18 and 30 years old (65.30 %). Their resilience levels were high (16.3 %), moderate (61.3 %), and low (22.4 %). There was a significant association between caregiver type and resilience level (p ≤ 0.05). Other studied covariates did not show a significant association. Conclusions: Due to stressful situations caused by care during social isolation and the risk of death of the elderly by COVID-19, strategies to improve resilience related to emotional, cognitive, and sociocultural interventions in the caregiver should be considered.
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Maximiano-Barreto MA, Moretti Luchesi B, de Moura AB, Pavarini SCI, Chagas MHN. What factors are associated with affective and cognitive empathy in informal and formal caregivers of older people? Australas J Ageing 2021; 41:50-58. [PMID: 33884711 DOI: 10.1111/ajag.12959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2020] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To analyse factors associated with affective and cognitive empathy in informal and formal caregivers of older people. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted with 111 formal and informal caregivers divided into three groups (lower, intermediate and higher empathy) based on the Multidimensional Interpersonal Reactivity Index score (total, affective and cognitive empathy). A sociodemographic questionnaire, the Zarit Burden Inventory, Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and Functional Assessment Questionnaire were applied. RESULTS The participants were predominantly women (91%), and median [IQR] age was 46 [33-57] years. In the multinomial regression analysis being an informal caregiver, being older and having depressive symptoms were associated with higher levels of empathy (total score and the affective domain). No associations were found for the cognitive domain. CONCLUSION A high level of empathy, especially affective empathy, was associated with depressive symptoms, older age and being an informal caregiver. Family relationships and the lack of training among informal caregivers should be explored.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bruna Moretti Luchesi
- Undergraduate Course in Medicine and Postgraduate Program in Nursing, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | | | | | - Marcos Hortes Nisihara Chagas
- Psychology Department, Universidade Federal de São Carlos, São Carlos, Brazil.,Gerontology Department, Universidade Federal de São Carlos, São Carlos, Brazil.,Bairral Institute of Psychiatry, Itapira, Brazil
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Avargues-Navarro ML, Borda-Mas M, Campos-Puente ADLM, Pérez-San-Gregorio MÁ, Martín-Rodríguez A, Sánchez-Martín M. Caring for Family Members With Alzheimer's and Burnout Syndrome: Impairment of the Health of Housewives. Front Psychol 2020; 11:576. [PMID: 32373005 PMCID: PMC7186428 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.00576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2019] [Accepted: 03/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Being a housewife may already be a psychosocial risk factor leading to chronic stress and burnout, and this may be aggravated when the housewife must also become the caregiver of a family member with Alzheimer’s. The burnout syndrome and how it can affect general health and the presence of emotional disorders were studied in housewives who were family caregivers of an Alzheimer’s patient. The sample selected was made up of 193 housewives, 96 of whom were also caregivers for a family member with Alzheimer’s. Sociodemographic measures used were the Maslach Burnout Inventory and The General Health Questionnaire. Burnout was found in a significant percentage of participants. Emotional exhaustion, effect on general health, and presence of emotional disorders were higher in caregivers. Emotional exhaustion, general health, and anxiety were more influential, while depersonalization affected the appearance of depressive symptoms more. Being a caregiver and emotional exhaustion appeared to be the best predictors of emotional disorders. It was confirmed that emotional exhaustion influenced appearance of anxiety and depression equally in both groups. In the case of caregivers, an exhaustion-illness spiral was produced. In this group, emotional exhaustion seemed to become more severe as a consequence of the presence of chronic illnesses, and possibly influence the number of hours spent on care and having children living at home. Future research should analyze in greater depth and in a larger sample, the role of these variables and widen the focus of attention to personal variables that could be acting as protective factors and could be subject to intervention. The discussion concludes with some actions that should be included in prevention programs for the groups studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Luisa Avargues-Navarro
- Department of Personality, Evaluation and Psychological Treatment, CTS-432 Research Team, University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | - Mercedes Borda-Mas
- Department of Personality, Evaluation and Psychological Treatment, CTS-432 Research Team, University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | | | | | - Agustín Martín-Rodríguez
- Department of Personality, Evaluation and Psychological Treatment, CTS-432 Research Team, University of Seville, Seville, Spain
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Palacio G C, Krikorian A, Gómez-Romero MJ, Limonero JT. Resilience in Caregivers: A Systematic Review. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2019; 37:648-658. [DOI: 10.1177/1049909119893977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Resilience is a multidimensional construct that explains why people facing the consequences of adversity and stress can have a positive outcome, emphasizing adjustment to experiences that are perceived as threatening. Objective: The aim of this study is to review the construct of resilience and associated variables in caregivers of patients with chronic, advanced illness and at the end of life. Methods: The review included studies published between January 2009 and January 2019, using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guide reporting. The Medline, ScienceDirect, HINARI, PsychINFO, and SciELO databases were used for bibliographic exploration to identify research studies that examined the impact of resilience on adaptation and overall well-being in caregivers of patients with chronic and advanced illness. Results: A total of 23 quantitative and qualitative studies were identified whose aim was to describe the role of resilience in adaptation and coping in caregivers. In these studies, resilience was associated with a positive impact on the quality of life and emotional distress. Communication and social support increase resilient coping strategies. In most selected articles, the sampling strategy used was convenience sampling. Data collection used evaluation scales related to resilience and associated variables for quantitative studies, and semistructured interviews were used for qualitative studies. Conclusion: Promoting a resilient coping style in caregivers reduces the distress that normally results from illness-related changes in the biopsychosocial and spiritual dimensions. A resilient coping style can diminish the risk of stress and burden, and promote adaptation in the caregiver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Palacio G
- Instituto de Cancerología, Clínica las Americas, Medellín, Colombia
- School of Psychology, Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Pain and Palliative Care Group, School of Health Sciences, Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana in Medellín, Colombia
- Research Group on Stress and Health, School of Psychology, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alicia Krikorian
- Pain and Palliative Care Group, School of Health Sciences, Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana in Medellín, Colombia
| | - María José Gómez-Romero
- School of Psychology, Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Research Group on Stress and Health, School of Psychology, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Egarsat Mutua Colaboradora con la Seguridad Social n 276, Terrassa, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Joaquín T. Limonero
- School of Psychology, Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Research Group on Stress and Health, School of Psychology, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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Perpiñá-Galvañ J, Orts-Beneito N, Fernández-Alcántara M, García-Sanjuán S, García-Caro MP, Cabañero-Martínez MJ. Level of Burden and Health-Related Quality of Life in Caregivers of Palliative Care Patients. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:E4806. [PMID: 31795461 PMCID: PMC6926780 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16234806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2019] [Revised: 11/19/2019] [Accepted: 11/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The complexity of palliative care means that the emotional distress and burden that primary family caregivers suffer under can be particularly high. The objective of this study was to determine the level of burden endured by these primary family caregivers and to identify the variables that predict it in the caregiving relatives of people who require home-based palliative care. A descriptive-correlational cross-sectional study was conducted. Socio-demographic and clinical data were collected from caregivers through a self-administered questionnaire that included questions from the 12-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12), Zarit Caregiver Burden Interview (ZBI), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Brief Resilient Coping Scale (BRCS), Post Traumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI), and Fatigue Assessment Scale (FAS). A total of 77 caregivers participated; 66.2% were women, and the mean age was 61.5 years. Most (62.3%) were providing care to cancer patients. From among these data, the presence of anxiety as a clinical problem (48.1%), a high average fatigue score (FAS) of 23.0 (SD = 8.5), and the prevalence of intense overload (41.6%) stood out. We found statistically significant correlations between the variables of burden, fatigue, post-traumatic growth, anxiety, and depression, with the latter two being the main predictive variables of burden. In addition, caregiver burden was associated with a worsening of health. Identifying the factors that influence the appearance of overburden will allow the specific needs of careers to be assessed in order to offer them emotional support within the healthcare environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juana Perpiñá-Galvañ
- Department of Nursing, University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain; (J.P.-G.); (S.G.-S.); (M.J.C.-M.)
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Research of Alicante (ISABIAL-FISABIO Foundation), 03010 Alicante, Spain;
| | - Núria Orts-Beneito
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Research of Alicante (ISABIAL-FISABIO Foundation), 03010 Alicante, Spain;
| | - Manuel Fernández-Alcántara
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Research of Alicante (ISABIAL-FISABIO Foundation), 03010 Alicante, Spain;
- Department of Health Psychology, University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain
| | - Sofía García-Sanjuán
- Department of Nursing, University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain; (J.P.-G.); (S.G.-S.); (M.J.C.-M.)
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Research of Alicante (ISABIAL-FISABIO Foundation), 03010 Alicante, Spain;
| | | | - María José Cabañero-Martínez
- Department of Nursing, University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain; (J.P.-G.); (S.G.-S.); (M.J.C.-M.)
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Research of Alicante (ISABIAL-FISABIO Foundation), 03010 Alicante, Spain;
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11
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Campos-Puente ADLM, Avargues-Navarro ML, Borda-Mas M, Sánchez-Martín M, Aguilar-Parra JM, Trigueros R. Emotional Exhaustion in Housewives and Alzheimer Patients' Caregivers: Its Effects on Chronic Diseases, Somatic Symptoms and Social Dysfunction. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16183250. [PMID: 31487943 PMCID: PMC6765817 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16183250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2019] [Revised: 08/24/2019] [Accepted: 09/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Background: Emotional exhaustion causes adverse effects in those who suffer from it. Housewives are not excluded. Domestic and care chores, which are considered to be sources of stress, increase when taking on the role of caregiver for a family member with Alzheimer’s disease. Objective: To analyse the influence of emotional exhaustion, somatic symptoms and social dysfunction, based on the activity they carry out. Methodology: Cross-sectional survey. 193 women participated, of which: housewives (HWs) (n = 97), and Alzheimer’s patient caregiver-housewives (CHWs) (n = 96). The evaluation tools were: sociodemographic/working data questionnaire (ad hoc), Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) and Goldberg General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28). Results: High rates of emotional exhaustion are observed, as well as an existing positive link between chronic diseases, somatic symptoms and social dysfunction. The structural model indicates that emotional exhaustion predicts the amount and extent of diseases, somatic symptoms and social dysfunction. The influence is higher in CHWs. Limitations: Sample procedure implemented at convenience; the variable of the grade of dependence of the Alzheimer’s patient caregiver was not included in the study. Conclusions: The domestic and care chores that HWs and CHWs carry out affect their health. Hence the need to develop psychoeducative programmes that are adapted to the particular needs of these women and focused on the different areas of their everyday lives.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - María Luisa Avargues-Navarro
- Department of Personality, Evaluation and Psychological Treatment, CTS-432 Research Team, University of Seville, 41004 Seville, Spain
| | - Mercedes Borda-Mas
- Department of Personality, Evaluation and Psychological Treatment, CTS-432 Research Team, University of Seville, 41004 Seville, Spain
| | | | - José M Aguilar-Parra
- Department of Psychology, Hum-878 Research Team, Health Research Centre, University of Almeria, 04120 Almeria, Spain.
| | - Rubén Trigueros
- Department of Psychology, Hum-878 Research Team, Health Research Centre, University of Almeria, 04120 Almeria, Spain.
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Stadtmann MP, Maercker A, Binder J, Schnepp W. Mastering life together - symptom management, views, and experiences of relatives of persons with CPTSD: a grounded theory study. J Patient Rep Outcomes 2018. [PMCID: PMC6195499 DOI: 10.1186/s41687-018-0070-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Complex posttraumatic stress disorder is described as a chronic condition with several severe and concurrent symptoms. Symptoms influence and impair not only the affected individuals but also their social surroundings and their relatives. The literature describes relatives as a key factor in managing symptoms, both as a barrier and a facilitator. Aim This research aimed to explore and to reconstruct the views, perceptions, experiences, facilitations and barriers of relatives who support the symptom management of persons with CPTSD in everyday life. Methods A theoretical sampling was used to recruit for an interview 18- to 65-year-old relatives of patients with diagnosed CPTSD. The 17 semi-structured interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. The transcriptions were uploaded into MAXQDA, and a Grounded Theory method based on that of Corbin and Strauss was used to analyse the data. Results We provide a process model with 5 interacting phases: the initial situation, state of permanence, being an anchor, recognizing limits, and potential outcomes. Each phase is further divided into subcategories. Discussion Participants experienced their condition as unpredictable. Although they mastered different strategies through own exploration and in cooperation, there is a clear need for more education, advice and support for relatives caring for those affected by CPTSD. Health care services should consider providing family support, educational services and increase the involvement of relatives in treatment. Over all, well-supported relatives can play a facilitative, key role in improving symptom management. Trial registration Ethical approval was obtained from the Swiss Cantonal Ethic Commission (Nr 201,500,096). This research was also registered at the World Health Organization Clinical Trials Search Portal through the German Clinical Trial Register, Trial DRKS00012268.
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