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Su Q, Fan L. Impact of caregiving on mental, self-rated, and physical health: evidence from the China health and retirement longitudinal study. Qual Life Res 2024:10.1007/s11136-024-03659-3. [PMID: 38644418 DOI: 10.1007/s11136-024-03659-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Given the escalating demand for care services, understanding the impact of informal caregiving, providing unpaid care for family members, on own health is essential. This study longitudinally analyzed the association of caregiving (and different caregiver types) with mental, physical, and self-rated health. Urban-rural, gender, and employment heterogeneity were further investigated. METHOD Based on three-wave data (2011, 2013, and 2018) from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study, we used growth curve models to assess the impact of informal caregiving (providing care to family members) and caregiver types (caregivers to grandchildren, parents, spouses, or multiple family members) on three health outcomes (depressive symptoms, self-rated health, and activities of daily living limitations). RESULTS Our study included 13,377 individuals. Results showed a negative correlation of caregiving with mental, physical, and self-rated health. Compared to noncaregivers, spousal caregivers and multiple caregivers were both associated with worsening mental, self-rated, and physical health. In contrast, adult child caregivers were only negatively associated with mental health, and grandparent caregiving did not significantly affect any health outcomes. Further heterogeneity analysis showed that gender did not moderate the relationship between caregiving and health, whereas the negative association between caregiving and health was more pronounced among the rural population and those employed in agriculture. DISCUSSION Findings from the present study suggest that caregiving is detrimental to health, and recommend considering caregiver type when examining caregiving and health. These findings have vital implications for policymakers in addressing the challenges of structuring and implementing a sustainable informal care system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Su
- School of Public Health, Southeast University, No.87 Dingjiaqiao, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Lijun Fan
- School of Public Health, Southeast University, No.87 Dingjiaqiao, Nanjing, 210009, China.
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2
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Sumo J, Wilbur J, Julion WA, Schoeny ME, Cummings P. Grandmothers residing with grandchildren: Social determinants of health, health behaviors, and health outcomes. J Women Aging 2023; 35:513-525. [PMID: 36976632 DOI: 10.1080/08952841.2023.2188863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to explore the associations between social determinants of health, health behaviors, and physical and mental health among African American and Hispanic caregiving grandmothers. We use cross-sectional secondary data from the Chicago Community Adult Health Study, originally designed to understand the health of individual households based on residential context. In a multivariate regression model, discrimination, parental stress, and physical health problems were significantly associated with depressive symptoms in caregiving grandmothers. Considering the multiple sources of stress experienced by this grandmother sample, researchers should develop and strengthen contextually relevant interventions for improving the health of caregiving grandmothers. Healthcare providers must be equipped with skills to address caregiving grandmothers' unique needs related to stress. Finally, policy makers should promote the development of legislation that can positively influence caregiving grandmothers and their families. Expanding the lens through which caregiving grandmothers living in minoritized communities are viewed can catalyze meaningful change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jen'nea Sumo
- College of Nursing, Rush University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - JoEllen Wilbur
- College of Nursing, Rush University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | | | | | - Peter Cummings
- Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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3
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Wang J, Gu R, Zhang L, Zhang L. How is caring for grandchildren associated with grandparents' health: the mediating effect of internet use. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1196234. [PMID: 37621608 PMCID: PMC10446841 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1196234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Prior studies showed mixed results of the association between grandchild care and grandparents' health. This research focused on the mechanisms behind the above link by studying how internet use served as a mediator through which grandchild care has impacted grandparents' health. The study aimed to draw implications to improve health of grandparents who offer care to grandchildren. Methods Using a sample of 16,829 grandparents aged 50 through 80 from the 2018 wave of China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), the study relied on the KHB method to conduct the analysis. Grandparental health was measured by self-rated health (SRH), instrumental activity of daily living (IADL), life satisfaction and depression. Results Overall, grandchild care had a positive effect on grandparental health. Those who engaged in grandchild care were more likely to use internet. In addition, internet use mediated the ways in which grandchild care impacted grandparents' health. Interne use generally promoted the positive influence of grandparental caregiving on grandparents' health. Specifically, the mediating effects of watching videos and chatting through the internet were most pronounced among urban grandmothers. The mediating effects of watching news were most noticeable among both urban grandmothers and grandfathers. Conclusion Internet use served as a mediator in the association between grandchild child care and grandparental health. Promoting internet usage may be an effective way reducing the negative impact of grandchild care on grandparents' mental health. It could also increase the positive effect of caregiving on grandparents' SRH and functional independence. The study also underscored the importance of taking rural-urban context and gender role into consideration when studying intergenerational caregiving and Chinese grandparents' health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Wang
- School of Law, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, Anhui, China
| | - Rongxing Gu
- School of Sociology, China University of Political Science and Law, Beijing, China
| | - Lanxi Zhang
- Department of Sociology and Anthropology, School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Li Zhang
- School of Sociology, China University of Political Science and Law, Beijing, China
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Hong Y, Xu W. Continuity and changes in grandchild care and the risk of depression for Chinese grandparents: new evidence from CHARLS. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1217998. [PMID: 37601176 PMCID: PMC10435994 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1217998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives Although studies have researched the mental effects of intergenerational care, little is known about the impact of transformations in caregiving intensity on depression. This study explores grand-parents' depressive symptom outcomes in terms of changes over time in grandparental childcare, with considerations for subgroup differences. Method Using data from the 2015-2018 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study on grandparents aged 45 and older, we adopted generalized estimating equations to estimate the effects of seven category changes [(1) continued to provide high-intensity or (2) low-intensity care at both waves; (3) never provided care; (4) started caregiving; (5) ended caregiving; (6) provided less intensive care; and (7) provided more intensive care] over time in grandparental childcare on depressive symptoms among 17,701 grandparents with at least one grandchild, as well as how the impact varies by gender and urban/rural areas. Results Grandparents who decreased the intensity of care, stopped childcare, or offered continuous low-intensity care were associated with a lower level of depression compared with those providing no childcare. In addition, the benefit of continuous caregiving on mental health was especially noticeable in urban grandmothers. Conclusion Providing continuous low-intensity, decreased-intensity grandparenting and the cessation of caregiving were associated with a decreased level of depression for Chinese grandparents; however, there were complex interactions at play. Policies aimed at supporting grandparenting should consider caregiving intensity transitions relevant to gender and urban/rural residence.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Wei Xu
- School of Sociology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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Das Gupta D, Wong DWS. Age-Dependent Differences in Frequent Mental Distress (FMD) of US Older Adults Living in Multigenerational Families versus Living Alone. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:3747. [PMID: 36834440 PMCID: PMC9964232 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20043747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Frequent mental distress (FMD) is prevalent among older Americans, but less is known about disparities in FMD of older adults living in multigenerational families versus living alone. We pooled cross-sectional data (unweighted, n = 126,144) from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) between 2016 and 2020 and compared FMD (≥14 poor mental health days in the past 30 days = 1; 0 otherwise) of older adults (≥65 years) living in multigenerational families versus living alone in 36 states. After controlling for covariates, findings indicate 23% lower odds of FMD among older adults living in multigenerational households compared to counterparts living alone (adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 0.77; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.60, 0.99). Findings also show that the reduction in the odds of FMD with each 5 year increase in age was larger among older adults living in multigenerational families by 18% (AOR: 0.56; 95% CI: 0.46, 0.70) compared to older adults living alone (AOR: 0.74; 95% CI: 0.71, 0.77), and this difference was significant at the 5% significance level. Multigenerational living may have a protective association with FMD among older adults. Further research is needed to identify multigenerational family and non-kin factors that translate into mental health advantages for older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debasree Das Gupta
- Department of Kinesiology and Health Science, Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322, USA
| | - David W. S. Wong
- Department of Geography and Geoinformation Science, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA
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Xi JY, Zhong SR, Zhou YX, Lin X, Hao YT. Effects of family multi-generational relationship on multimorbidity and healthy life expectancy for second generations: insight from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study. BMC Geriatr 2023; 23:100. [PMID: 36800942 PMCID: PMC9938571 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-022-03714-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In the context of aging, Chinese families consisting of more than three generations (grandparents, parents, children) are the norm. The second generation (parents) and other family members may establish a downward (contact only with children) or two-way multi-generational relationship (contact with children and grandparents). These multi-generational relationships may have the potential effect on multimorbidity burden and healthy life expectancy in the second generation, but less is known about the direction and intensity of this effect. This study aims to explore this potential effect. METHODS We obtained longitudinal data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study from 2011 to 2018, which included 6,768 people. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to assess the association between multi-generational relationships and the number of multimorbidity. The Markov multi-state transition model was used to analyze the relationship between multi-generational relationships and the severity of multimorbidity. The multistate life table was used to calculate healthy life expectancy for different multi-generational relationships. RESULTS The risk of multimorbidity in two-way multi-generational relationship was 0.830 (95% CIs: 0.715, 0.963) times higher than that in downward multi-generational relationship. For mild multimorbidity burden, downward and two-way multi-generational relationship may prevent aggravation of burden. For severe multimorbidity burden, two-way multi-generational relationship may aggravate the burden. Compared with two-way multi-generational relationship, the second generations with downward multi-generational relationship has a higher healthy life expectancy at all ages. CONCLUSION In Chinese families with more than three generations, the second generations with severe multimorbidity burden may aggravate the condition by providing support to elderly grandparents, and the support provided by offspring to the second generations plays a vital positive role in improving the quality of life and narrowing the gap between healthy life expectancy and life expectancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Yan Xi
- grid.12981.330000 0001 2360 039XDepartment of Medical Statistics, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, 74Th Zhongshan 2Nd Rd, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou, 510080 China
| | - Si-Rui Zhong
- grid.12981.330000 0001 2360 039XDepartment of Medical Statistics, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, 74Th Zhongshan 2Nd Rd, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou, 510080 China
| | - Yu-Xiao Zhou
- grid.12981.330000 0001 2360 039XDepartment of Medical Statistics, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, 74Th Zhongshan 2Nd Rd, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou, 510080 China
| | - Xiao Lin
- Department of Medical Statistics, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, 74Th Zhongshan 2Nd Rd, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
| | - Yuan-Tao Hao
- Department of Medical Statistics, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, 74Th Zhongshan 2Nd Rd, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou, 510080, China. .,Peking University Center for Public Health and Epidemic Preparedness & Response, Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, 100191, Beijing, China. .,Sun Yat-Sen Global Health Institute, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China. .,Center for Health Information Research, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
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Hong Y, Xu W, Zhao L. The impact of grandchild care on depressive symptoms of grandparents in China: The mediating effects of generational support from children. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1043969. [PMID: 37020818 PMCID: PMC10067760 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1043969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives Despite extensive studies about the direct effect of grandchild care on caregiver depression in China, understanding of its internal influencing mechanism has been limited. After controlling for socioeconomic factors, this study investigated whether the experience of caring for grandchildren had a long-term impact on the depression levels of grandparents, either directly or indirectly through generational support from adult children. Methods The subjects of this study were a total of 9,219 adults over 45 who participated in the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Surveys in 2015 and 2018. We adopted a lag-behind variable to examine the impact of grandchild care on depressive symptoms of grandparents. The proposed mediation model was analyzed using bootstrap modeling, and the KHB method was conducted further to examine differences in the effects of generational support. Results The experience of caring for grandchildren had a significant negative correlation with the depression level of Chinese grandparents. Moreover, children's support significantly mediated the impact of parenting experience on grandparents' depression. Significantly, instrumental support mediated the effect to the greatest extent, while emotional support from children contributed the least. The intermediary effect has urban-rural heterogeneity. Conclusion These findings indicated that grandchild care significantly inhibited the depression level of Chinese grandparents through increased intergenerational support from adult children. The implications of the study's findings were discussed.
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8
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Hayslip B, Maiden RJ. Attitudes toward mental health and mental health care among custodial grandparents. Aging Ment Health 2023; 27:133-146. [PMID: 35037803 DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2021.2024795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Objective: Two-hundred thirty-nine grandparents who were raising their grandchildren were surveyed regarding their attitudes toward mental health and mental health care as well as their use of mental health services, each twice over a one-year time frame.Methods: Mental health attitudes were assessed utilizing self-report scales assessing openness to seeking help, biases regarding mental health and mental health professionals, and breadth regarding beliefs about the origins of mental/emotional distress.Results: Findings suggested that grandparent caregivers were generally positive regarding their willingness to seek mental health care, biases regarding mental health professionals, and beliefs about the origins of emotional distress. Factors that predicted mental health attitudes reflected grandparent personal characteristics, aspects of caregiving, and sample demographics. There was a relationship between attitudes toward mental health and the use of mental health-related services, and having sought help was associated with mental health attitudes and emotional distress at both occasions of measurement and over the one-year timeframe. Some modest evidence was found for the role of openness to seeking help in partially mediating relationships between emotional/caregiving-related distress and mental health care use.Conclusion: These findings are important in understanding not only grandparent caregivers' attitudes toward mental health, but also can serve as a basis for enhancing their use of mental health care services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bert Hayslip
- Department of Psychology, University of North Texas, Denton, Texas, USA
| | - Robert J Maiden
- Department of Psychology, Alfred University, Alfred, New York, USA
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9
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Are grandchildren good for you? Well-being and health effects of becoming a grandparent. Soc Sci Med 2022; 313:115392. [PMID: 36215928 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2022.115392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Older individuals commonly go through a few major life transitions which can impact their health and well-being. While transitions like that into retirement have been extensively investigated, little research focused on the transition into grandparenthood. Understanding effects of this highly common event is not only important from a descriptive viewpoint, but is also informative for the active aging policies that are increasingly pursued to deal with aging populations. Using data from ten Western European countries, we show that grandparenthood on average leads to a reduction in well-being while hardly impacting physical, cognitive and mental health. The effect is heterogeneous by family closeness, though. Grandparenthood reduces well-being for those having relatively little family contact and not providing child care. But it leaves well-being unaffected while improving health along some dimensions among those with the opposite profile. The only exception to the latter are grandmothers providing daily child care, for whom grandparenthood appears to be burdensome. This pattern of results suggests that involving grandparents non-intensively in child care may lead to beneficial side-effects. Becoming a grandparent induces people to retire, but retirement seems no relevant channel for well-being and health effects.
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10
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Odoom SF, Newton SK, Nakua EK, Boahen KG, Nguah SB, Ansong D, Nyanor I, Amuzu EX, Amanor E, Osei FA, Mohammed A, Mensah NK, Martyn-Dickens C, Osei-Akoto A, Paintsil V. Penicillin V prophylaxis uptake among children living with sickle cell disease in a specialist sickle cell clinic in Ghana: A cross-sectional study. Health Sci Rep 2022; 5:e953. [PMID: 36439045 PMCID: PMC9686354 DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aims Penicillin V prophylaxis protects children living with sickle cell disease (SCD) from bacteria infections especially Streptococcus pneumonia. However, the uptake of penicillin V prophylaxis is difficult to assess and often poor among SCD patients. Therefore, this study sought to investigate oral penicillin V prophylaxis adherence among SCD children using urine assay and self-reported methods and the associated factors. Methods The study employed an analytical cross-sectional design in the assessment of penicillin V prophylaxis adherence using both urine assay and self-reported methods. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to determine the factors associated with penicillin V prophylaxis adherence. A p value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results Among the 421 SCD patients recruited, penicillin V prophylaxis adherence was observed to be 30.0% and 68.0% for the objective and subjective methods of assessment, respectively. For the objective method of assessment, being cared for by grandparents increased the odds of penicillin V adherence (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 3.68, confidence interval [CI] = 1.03-13.15). However, SCD patients within the ages of 10-14 years (aOR = 0.36, CI = 0.17-0.80), >14 years (aOR = 0.17, CI = 0.05-0.61), SCD patient cared for by married caregivers/parents (aOR = 0.32, CI = 0.14-0.72), SCD patient cared for by divorced caregivers/parents (aOR = 0.23, CI = 0.07-0.75), SCD patients taking homemade (herbal) preparations for the treatment of SCD (aOR = 0.42, CI = 0.21-0.83), and inappropriate intake of penicillin V prophylaxis (aOR = 0.27, CI = 0.11-0.67) reduced the odds of penicillin V adherence. For the subjective method of assessment, taking homemade preparation (herbal) for the treatment of SCD (aOR = 0.52, CI = 0.30-0.89) and inappropriate intake of penicillin V (aOR = 0.32, CI = 0.17-0.60) reduced the odds of penicillin V adherence. Conclusion This study reports a relatively low adherence rate of penicillin V prophylaxis among children living with SCD. Educating and counseling both SCD patients and/or caregivers on the need to be adherent to penicillin V prophylaxis could prevent complications that may arise from nonadherence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel F Odoom
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology Kumasi Ghana.,Child Health Directorate Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital Kumasi Ghana
| | - Sam K Newton
- School of Public Health Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology Kumasi Ghana
| | - Emmanuel K Nakua
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology Kumasi Ghana
| | - Kennedy G Boahen
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, School of Medicine and Dentistry Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology Kumasi Ghana
| | - Samuel B Nguah
- Child Health Directorate Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital Kumasi Ghana.,Department of Clinical Microbiology, School of Medicine and Dentistry Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology Kumasi Ghana
| | - Daniel Ansong
- Child Health Directorate Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital Kumasi Ghana.,Department of Clinical Microbiology, School of Medicine and Dentistry Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology Kumasi Ghana
| | - Isaac Nyanor
- Child Health Directorate Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital Kumasi Ghana
| | - Evans X Amuzu
- Child Health Directorate Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital Kumasi Ghana
| | - Ernest Amanor
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, College of Science Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology Kumasi Ghana
| | - Francis A Osei
- School of Public Health Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology Kumasi Ghana
| | - Aliyu Mohammed
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology Kumasi Ghana
| | | | | | - Alex Osei-Akoto
- Child Health Directorate Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital Kumasi Ghana.,Department of Clinical Microbiology, School of Medicine and Dentistry Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology Kumasi Ghana
| | - Vivian Paintsil
- Child Health Directorate Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital Kumasi Ghana.,Department of Clinical Microbiology, School of Medicine and Dentistry Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology Kumasi Ghana
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Photichai P, Luvira V. Family types and parenting styles for infants in Khon Kaen province. JOURNAL OF EDUCATION AND HEALTH PROMOTION 2022; 11:319. [PMID: 36567986 PMCID: PMC9768698 DOI: 10.4103/jehp.jehp_1623_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The care of infants during their first six months is a significant matter. As there have been shifts in social and economic conditions, families are diverging into several forms. This study aimed to explore parenting styles for infants and the relation between parenting styles for infants and family types. MATERIAL AND METHOD This study was a cross-sectional study, focusing on the main caregivers of approximately six-month-old infants. The data was collected from February to July 2021. The research tool employed was an interview form. The collected data was then analyzed. RESULTS Two hundred sixty-four families of primary caregivers were included in the study. The family type most frequently found was the skipped generation family, accounting for 119 families (45%). All family types mostly practiced the uninvolved parenting style as the parenting style for infants. Regarding response to infants, most families practiced the permissive parenting style. When investigating relations between parenting style for infants and family type, it was found that skipped generation family caregivers practiced a less authoritative parenting style than the nuclear family, including holding family activities with the infant (0.16, 95%CI: 0.05-0.47); when the infant raises their voice to communicate (0.32, 95%CI: 0.14-0.71); training the infant to roll over (0.21, 95%CI: 0.06-0.69); when the infant cries (0.16, 95%CI: 0.05-0.47); and when the infant does not respond (0.19, 95%, CI: 0.05-0.74). CONCLUSION The most practiced parenting style for infants among all the three family types was the uninvolved parenting style. Regarding the response to infants, the permissive parenting style was mostly observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piyanan Photichai
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Varisara Luvira
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
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12
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Di Gessa G, Bordone V, Arpino B. Changes in Grandparental Childcare During the Pandemic and Mental Health: Evidence From England. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci 2022; 78:319-329. [PMID: 36124835 PMCID: PMC9494312 DOI: 10.1093/geronb/gbac104] [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: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Policies aiming at reducing rates of hospitalization and death from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) encouraged older people to reduce physical interactions. In England, until July 2021, provision of care for grandchildren was allowed only under very limited circumstances. Evidence also suggests that reduced face-to-face interactions took a toll on mental health during the pandemic. This study aims to investigate associations between changes in grandchild care provision during the first 8/9 months of the pandemic and grandparents' mental health. METHODS Using prepandemic data from Wave 9 (2018/2019) and the second COVID-19 substudy (November/December 2020) of the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing, we first describe changes in grandchild care provision during the pandemic to then investigate, using regression models, associations between changes in grandchild care provision and mental health (depression, quality of life, life satisfaction), while controlling for prepandemic levels of the outcome variables. RESULTS About 10% of grandparents stopped looking after grandchildren altogether during the first 9 months of the pandemic, with 22% reporting an overall decrease in the amount of grandchild care provided. Compared to grandparents who mostly maintained unchanged their grandchild care provision, those who stopped altogether and those who mostly reduced the amount of grandchild care provided were more likely to report poorer mental health, even accounting for prepandemic health. DISCUSSION While measures to limit physical contact and shield older people were necessary to reduce the spread of COVID-19, policymakers should acknowledge potential adverse consequences for mental health among grandparents who experienced changes in their roles as grandchild caregivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgio Di Gessa
- Address correspondence to: Giorgio Di Gessa, PhD, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London, 1–19 Torrington Place, London WC1E 7HB, UK. E-mail:
| | - Valeria Bordone
- Department of Sociology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Bruno Arpino
- Department of Sociology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria,Department of Statistics, Computer Science, Applications, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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13
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Shen K, Yang X. Caring for grandchildren and life satisfaction of grandparents in China. AGING AND HEALTH RESEARCH 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ahr.2022.100095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/15/2022] Open
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Hajek A, König HH. Grandchild care and loneliness among older Europeans: Longitudinal evidence from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry 2022; 37. [PMID: 35861228 DOI: 10.1002/gps.5785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Restricted knowledge exists with regard to the association between grandchild care and loneliness among older Europeans. Hence, our goal was to investigate the association between the onset of grandchild care and loneliness in different European regions and stratified by sex longitudinally. METHODS/DESIGN Longitudinal data were taken from waves 5 to 6 of the 'Survey of Health Ageing, and Retirement in Europe' (SHARE) (n = 83,416 observations). Loneliness was assessed using the established three-item version of the Revised UCLA Loneliness scale. Transitions into grandchild care (= onset of grandchild care) served as key independent variable. It was adjusted for several covariates in regression analysis. Linear FE regressions with cluster-robust standard errors were used to mitigate the challenge of unobserved heterogeneity. RESULTS Linear FE regressions showed that the onset of grandchild care was significantly associated with an increase in loneliness levels among women (but not men) in Southern Europe (β = 0.28, p = 0.01), whereas the onset of grandchild care was not significantly associated with changes in loneliness levels in both sexes in Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Northern Europe and Israel. CONCLUSIONS Our study emphasized the association between the onset of grandchild care and increases in loneliness among women in Southern Europe. Efforts (e.g., respite services) are required to support this group to avoid loneliness.
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Affiliation(s)
- André Hajek
- Department of Health Economics and Health Services Research, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg Center for Health Economics, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Hans-Helmut König
- Department of Health Economics and Health Services Research, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg Center for Health Economics, Hamburg, Germany
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The Role of Fertility and Partnership History in Later-life Cognition. AGEING INTERNATIONAL 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s12126-022-09500-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
AbstractCognitive ageing continues to be a significant burden for society and a primary contributor to individuals’ diminishing independence and quality of life. Therefore, improving our understanding of life-course influences on cognitive function is a necessity for public health. Parenthood and marriage are two such influences that may affect cognition in old age. Using the Health and Retirement Study, the relationship between family histories and cognitive functioning in adults in the ‘older’ age group in the United States is investigated through a sequence-analysis approach. The results show that most of the relationship between fertility and partnership history and cognition later in life is explained by childhood health and socioeconomic conditions, and current sociodemographic characteristics. However, those individuals who have never been married, and in particular those who have never been married and have had no children, report a significantly lower level of cognitive functioning in older age, especially women.
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Li H, Gan L, Xu DR, Chen J. Long-Term Impact of Grandchild Caregiving Trajectories on Depression in Middle-Aged and Older Chinese People: A Longitudinal Study. Int J Aging Hum Dev 2022; 95:493-515. [PMID: 35243915 DOI: 10.1177/00914150221084644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
There has been little research investigating the effects of caregiving for grandchildren on grandparents' mental health from a dynamic perspective. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects on caregivers' depression of changes in grandparenting intensity. The study population included 8,157 respondents obtained from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). Latent growth mixture modeling was used to group respondents into five classes of trajectory of caregiving intensity as follows: "sharply decreasing", "never or rarely", "slowly decreasing", "increasing", and "continuously high". A generalized additive mixed model (GAMM) and a marginal structural model (MSM) both associated the "continuously high" and "sharply decreasing" intensities with depression. "Continuously high" intensity significantly increased the risk of depression in the male group only. Further research should be conducted to analyze the deep-seated mechanisms of association between grandparenting and mental health, in different cultural contexts and among subgroups with different characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haomiao Li
- School of Political Science and Public Administration, 12390Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Li Gan
- Center for WHO Studies and Department of Health Management, 70570School of Health Management of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Institute for Health Management, 70570Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dong Roman Xu
- Center for WHO Studies and Department of Health Management, 70570School of Health Management of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,ACACIA Labs of SMU Institute for Global Health (SIGHT) and Dermatology Hospital, 70570Southern Medical University (SMU), Guangzhou, China.,Institute for Health Management, 70570Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiangyun Chen
- Center for WHO Studies and Department of Health Management, 70570School of Health Management of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,ACACIA Labs of SMU Institute for Global Health (SIGHT) and Dermatology Hospital, 70570Southern Medical University (SMU), Guangzhou, China.,Institute for Health Management, 70570Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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17
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Yang X, Yin D. The Protective Effect of Caring for Grandchildren on the Mental Health of the Elderly: A Structural Equation Modeling Analysis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19031255. [PMID: 35162285 PMCID: PMC8834749 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19031255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Population aging has become a common problem all over the world, and the process of China’s population aging is developing rapidly. China has made active aging a national development strategy, giving full attention to the physical and mental health of the elderly. Bloodline and family continuity make the Chinese elderly attach great importance to the responsibility of caring for grandchildren. This study takes the elderly as the research center, and aims to investigate the relationship between caring for grandchildren and the mental health of the elderly in China, and whether participation in social activities mediates such an association. Adopting the data from the 2018 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), a Chi-squared test and multiple regression results showed that caring for grandchildren significantly improved the mental health level of the elderly in China, and the results were still valid after the use of the Propensity Score Matching (PSM) to solve the endogenous problems. Analysis of the mediating effects using the Structural Equation Model (SEM) showed that caring for grandchildren indirectly contributed to the reduction of depression by increasing the diversity and frequency of participation in social activities. The constant adjustment of China’s fertility policy increases the possibility of the elderly caring for multiple grandchildren, and prolongs their time of caring for grandchildren. The elderly caring for grandchildren is a proactive choice, which continuously relieves the child-rearing stress, and highlights the family value and social value of the elderly. At the same time, raising and accompanying grandchildren makes the elderly’s lives more fulfilling and positive, which in turn promotes participation in social activities, and the mental health of the elderly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Yang
- Northeast Asian Research Center, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China
- Correspondence:
| | - Doudou Yin
- Northeast Asian Studies College, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China;
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18
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Danielsbacka M, Křenková L, Tanskanen AO. Grandparenting, health, and well-being: a systematic literature review. Eur J Ageing 2022; 19:341-368. [PMID: 36052183 PMCID: PMC9424377 DOI: 10.1007/s10433-021-00674-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractWhether grandparenting is associated with improved health or well-being among older adults is a salient question in present-day aging societies. This systematic review compiles studies that consider the health or well-being outcomes of grandparenting, concerning (1) custodial grandparent families, where grandparents are raising grandchildren without parental presence; (2) three-generation households, where grandparents are living with adult children and grandchildren; and (3) non-coresiding grandparents, who are involved in the lives of their grandchildren. Review was based on literature searches conducted in September 2019 via Web of Science, PubMed, PsycINFO, and Ebsco. We screened 3868 abstracts across four databases, and by following the PRISMA guidelines, we identified 92 relevant articles (117 studies) that were published between 1978 and 2019. In 68% of cases, custodial grandparenting was associated with decreased health or well-being of grandparents. The few studies considering the health or well-being of grandparents living in three-generation households provided mixed findings (39% positive; 39% negative). Finally, in 69% of cases, involvement of non-coresiding grandparents was associated with improved grandparental outcomes; however, there was only limited support for the prediction that involved grandparenting being causally associated with grandparental health or well-being. Despite this, after different robustness checks (counting all nonsignificant results, taking into account the representativeness of the data and causal methodology), the main finding remains the same: the most negative results are found among custodial grandparents and three-generation households and most positive results among non-coresiding grandparents.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lenka Křenková
- Department of Demography and Geodemography, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
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19
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Notter IR. Grandchild Care and Well-Being: Gender Differences in Mental Health Effects of Caregiving Grandparents. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci 2021; 77:1294-1304. [PMID: 34508596 DOI: 10.1093/geronb/gbab164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The literature on the gendered differences of mental health as a result of grandchild care has shown mixed results. Research on grandchild care further suggests that nonresidential grandchild care improves mental health outcomes, while residential grandchild care arrangements decrease mental health outcomes in grandparents. The moderating or buffering role of social engagement remains understudied in the grandchild care-mental health relationship. The present study examines mental health effect differences between caregiving grandmothers and grandfathers, and the moderating effects of social engagement. METHOD Using 2002-2012 data from the HRS (Health and Retirement Study), a nationally representative sample of U.S. adults aged 50 and over, I examine the mental health effects of grandchild care and the moderating effect of social engagement in fixed effects models. RESULTS Grandfathers experience particularly worsened mental health outcomes when providing grandchild care in a skipped-generation household. Both grandmothers and grandfathers experience mental health improvements from increased social engagement. Social engagement, particularly for grandmothers, serves as a buffer or produces role enhancement for grandmothers in skipped-generation care arrangements. DISCUSSION Nonresidential and residential grandchild care affect mental health outcomes differently for grandmothers and grandfathers. However, social engagement consistently serves as a buffer or mental health improvement for all grandparents. Findings further encourage the continued study of social engagement and gender differences in older adults more broadly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle Rocío Notter
- Department of Sociology at Brown University. Her research interests include aging, families, residential segregation, and inequality
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20
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Bessette H, Song M, Lyons KS, Stoyles S, Lee CS, Hansen L, Winters-Stone K. Enrolling Caregivers in Obesity Interventions to Improve Obesity-Related Outcomes in Children. West J Nurs Res 2021; 44:966-971. [PMID: 34353179 DOI: 10.1177/01939459211037057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we assessed the influences of change in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA)/sedentary time (ST) of caregivers participating in a commercial weight-loss program on their children's change in MVPA/ST. Data from 29 caregivers and their children were collected over 8 weeks. We used multivariable linear regression to assess associations of changes in caregiver's percent of time spent in MVPA/ST and changes in their child's percent of time spent in MVPA/ST. For caregivers that decreased body mass index (BMI) over 8 weeks, changes in caregivers' MVPA was strongly associated with the change in children's MVPA (β = 2.61 [95% CI: 0.45, 4.77]) compared to caregivers who maintained/increased BMI (β = 0.24 [-2.16, 2.64]). Changes in caregivers' ST was strongly associated with changes in children's ST (β = 2.42 [1.02, 3.81]) compared to caregivers who maintained/increased BMI (β = 0.35 [-0.45, 1.14]). Findings reinforce encouraging caregivers to enroll in weight-loss programs for the benefit of their children as well as for themselves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Bessette
- School of Nursing, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - MinKyoung Song
- School of Nursing, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Karen S Lyons
- School of Nursing, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Sydnee Stoyles
- School of Nursing, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Christopher S Lee
- School of Nursing, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Lissi Hansen
- School of Nursing, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
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21
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Hayslip B, Fruhauf CA, Fish J. Should I Do This? Factors Influencing the Decision to Raise Grandchildren Among Custodial Grandparents. THE GERONTOLOGIST 2021; 61:735-745. [PMID: 33315084 DOI: 10.1093/geront/gnaa202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Grandparents often step in to raise grandchildren when the middle generation is unavailable or unwilling. Although the consequences of raising grandchildren are well researched, little is known about the factors influencing grandparents' decisions to raise grandchildren. The objectives of this study were to (a) explore the factors that influence decision-making processes among grandparent caregivers, and (b) investigate the extent to which these factors reflect a multifaceted, dualistic framework. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Data were collected from 108 custodial grandparents who answered an open-ended question about their decision to raise grandchildren. RESULTS Content analyses of participants' answers yielded 15 factorial dimensions defined in terms of their negative/push or positive/pull poles, as it related to their decision to raise grandchildren. Chi-squared tests were used to examine each dimension to the extent to which elicited frequencies were differentially represented for positive versus negative poles. For 12 dimensions, the negative decisional parameters outweighed those that were positive. DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS Grandparents report both positive and negative parameters when reflecting on their decision to raise grandchildren. These results call for further research to advance the understanding of the decision-making processes that caregiving grandparents make and the role that they may have on their experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bert Hayslip
- Department of Psychology, University of North Texas, Denton, USA
| | - Christine A Fruhauf
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, USA
| | - Joshua Fish
- Department of Psychology, University of North Texas, Denton, USA
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22
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Quirke E, König HH, Hajek A. What are the social consequences of beginning or ceasing to care for grandchildren? Evidence from an asymmetric fixed effects analysis of community dwelling adults in Germany. Aging Ment Health 2021; 25:969-975. [PMID: 32067467 DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2020.1727846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Objective: To examine the influence of a change in one's caregiving status, i.e. beginning to provide grandchild care or ceasing to provide grandchild care, on feelings of loneliness and one's social network size.Method: A longitudinal study was conducted, using data drawn from a population-based sample of community-based individuals ≥ 40 years. This data was analyzed using asymmetric fixed effects models (n = 8,678 observations). Perceived loneliness was measured using a short version of the De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale. The number of important people with whom respondents have regular contact was used an outcome variable. All respondents were asked whether they privately cared for children that were not their own.Results: Beginning to undertake care of a grandchild was associated with an increase in loneliness scores among men (β = 0.10, p < 0.001). Beginning to undertake care of a grandchild also increased the social network size among male grandparents (β = 0.68, p < 0.001). Ceasing to undertake grandchild care was not found to have an impact on feelings of loneliness or social network size among male, nor female, grandparents.Conclusion: This study identifies a positive association between caring for one's grandchild and one's social network. Men were found to experiences increases in feelings of loneliness, where women did not, suggesting possible divergences and experiences of this role. Grandfathers in particular should receive additional support when commencing the care of a grandchild to mitigate possible feelings of loneliness. This study builds on the growing literature exploring the implications of a grandparents undertaking supplementary care of their grandchildren.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleanor Quirke
- Department of Health Economics and Health Services Research, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Hans-Helmut König
- Department of Health Economics and Health Services Research, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - André Hajek
- Department of Health Economics and Health Services Research, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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23
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Intergenerational Ties in Context: Association between Caring for Grandchildren and Cognitive Function in Middle-Aged and Older Chinese. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 18:ijerph18010021. [PMID: 33375149 PMCID: PMC7792947 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18010021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Grandchild caregiving is suggested to improve the elderly’s cognitive function, but the specific relationship remains under-investigated. Considering gender disparity, this study aimed to understand the relationship between grandchild caregiving and cognition. In total, 7236 Chinese residents (≥45 years old) were selected from the 2015 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). The China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study Harmonized Cognitive Assessment Protocol (CHARLS-HCAP) was used to measure cognition. Grandparenting was measured from three dimensions: caregiving frequency, intensity, and the number of grandchildren cared for. The relationship was examined by multivariate linear regression, with age as a moderator. The results showed that the majority of respondents provided care to their grandchildren, especially grandmothers. Grandchild caregiving was positively associated with cognition (β = 0.686, 95% CI = 0.334–1.038), especially in the older-aged group. Moderate, not regular grandparenting, or caring for one grandchild was more positively associated with cognitive function. However, intensive and regular grandchild care was significantly associated with cognition only in men. No moderating effects of age were found in women. The study confirmed that moderate intensity and frequency of caregiving was related to better cognitive function in middle-aged and older Chinese population, whereas cultural context and gender differences could be considered when designing targeted policies.
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Hayslip B, Fruhauf CA, Dolbin-MacNab ML. Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: What Have We Learned Over the Past Decade? THE GERONTOLOGIST 2020; 59:e152-e163. [PMID: 28666363 DOI: 10.1093/geront/gnx106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2017] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES In this manuscript, we update the literature over the last decade in addressing several new content areas that have emerged in the grandfamilies literature, along with issues that are still important to understanding grandparents raising their grandchildren today. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS The social science and gerontological literature since 2004 was accessed, reviewed, organized topically, and integrated, based upon an exhaustive PsychINFO literature search. RESULTS Our review indicates an ongoing and/or growing emphasis on (a) the strengths of grandparent raising grandchildren, (b) diversity among grandfamilies along a number of parameters, (c) the social-interpersonal, cultural, and policy-related contexts of grandfamilies, (d) process-focused research, (e) parenting, parenting skills, and family relationships, (f) grandparent psychological distress, (g) targets for and the efficacy of interventions with grandfamilies, and (h) methodological issues relevant to the study of grandfamilies. IMPLICATIONS We discuss the implications of our findings in terms of more completely understanding grandfamilies along a number of parameters, as well as presenting specific recommendations for future research and practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bert Hayslip
- Department of Psychology, University of North Texas, Denton
| | - Christine A Fruhauf
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Colorado State University, Ft. Collins
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25
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Abstract
Grandparenting varies enormously in the United States and here we discuss that growing diversity. Relying on exchange and reciprocity, feminist, and political economic theoretical perspectives, we begin by exploring the increasing need for grandchild care and assistance in the United States and the dearth of federal and employer supports for working families. Assessing the impact of sociodemographic trends, notably the rise in single parenting and the increase in employment among grandparents, we assess the intensification of grandparenting. Then we turn to issues related to proximity, examining the pleasures and challenges of coresidential, custodial, long distance, and transnational grandparenting. Finally, we turn to the impact of grandparenting on the emotional, physical, and financial wellbeing of grandparents.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Amra Kandic
- Department of Sociology, Syracuse University, New York
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Abstract
ABSTRACTIn this qualitative study, I followed an approach to examine perceptions about retirement, using an interview guide informed by the life course perspective, among 26 men and women who had retired from positions as chief executive officers. Three key themes emerged: (1) the importance of productivity and networking as participants rose up the corporate ladder; (2) the sense of having a "best before" date and experiencing societal pressures to retire; and (3) struggles with feeling insignificant in retirement while desiring personal fulfillment through continued engagement in paid work. These findings shed light on the value of using a life course perspective to examine retirement as both a personal experience and as a social phenomenon. Findings also contribute to theoretical understandings of productive aging by illustrating how preconceptions about productivity contrast with ideations of a leisure-filled retirement in ways that can foreshorten the employment contributions of some individuals.
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Hayslip B, Knight RP, Page KS, Phillips C. Rural versus urban residence as an influence on grandparent caregivers’ needs for service. JOURNAL OF INTERGENERATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS 2018. [DOI: 10.1080/15350770.2018.1489327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Bert Hayslip
- Department of Psychology, University of North Texas, Denton, TX, USA
| | - Rebekah P. Knight
- Department of Disability and Addiction Rehabilitation, University of North Texas, Denton, TX, USA
| | - Kyle S. Page
- Department of Psychology, University of North Texas, Denton, TX, USA
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Xu H. Physical and mental health of Chinese grandparents caring for grandchildren and great-grandparents. Soc Sci Med 2018; 229:106-116. [PMID: 29866373 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2018.05.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2018] [Revised: 04/03/2018] [Accepted: 05/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The increasing worldwide prevalence and intensity of grandparenting has attracted an attention to its health implications for caregivers against the backdrop of population aging. Thanks to prolonged life expectancy and reduced infant mortality, extended families that comprise four generations, co-residential or not, are no longer rare in China. The current study examines health consequences when Chinese grandparents provide care to not only grandchildren but also their own elderly parents or parents-in-law (i.e., great-grandparents). Drawing on data from the 2011-2013 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), mental health was captured by levels of life satisfaction and depressive symptoms, and physical health was measured by levels of high sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP), hypertension, high-risk pulse rate, and diabetes. Overall grandparents who cared for grandchildren only had better mental and physical health, compared with non-caregivers. There was some evidence that the 'sandwich' grandparents who cared for both grandchildren and great-grandparents reported greater life satisfaction, fewer depressive symptoms, and reduced hypertension compared with non-caregivers. The health advantage of caregiving was most pronounced in urban grandfathers whose caregiving conformed to the norm of filial piety and who did so most likely to seek emotional reward instead of an intergenerational time-for-money exchange. In contrast, rural grandmothers were the most vulnerable group and their health disadvantage seemed to arise from caring for great-grandparents. These findings highlight the importance of rural-urban context and gender role in studying the health effects of intergenerational caregiving on Chinese grandparents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongwei Xu
- Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, 426 Thompson St, ISR 2459, Ann Arbor, MI 48104-2321, United States.
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Hatcher J, Voigts K, Culp-Roche A, Adegboyega A, Scott T. Rural Grandparent Headed Households: A Qualitative Description. ONLINE JOURNAL OF RURAL NURSING AND HEALTH CARE : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE RURAL NURSE ORGANIZATION 2018; 18:40-62. [PMID: 34079430 DOI: 10.14574/ojrnhc.v18i1.486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Purpose To explore, from an emic perspective, the unique socio ecological context in which rural grandparent headed households (GHH) exist, and therefore provide a foundation for the development of culturally-appropriate interventions that might impact their health. Methods This qualitative descriptive study was based on the conduct of in-depth, semi-structured interviews with fifteen grandparents, residing in rural Appalachian Kentucky, who were the primary caretakers for their grandchildren. The interviews were conducted using an interview guide that was based on the premises of the Social Ecological Model (SEM). A basic assumption of this model is that intrapersonal, social-cultural, organizational, and policy factors influence individual health and health behaviors, and that these influences are interrelated and reciprocal. Data was analyzed by the research team using line by line coding of the audio recorded transcriptions of the interviews. Findings GHH experience both barriers and facilitators to maintaining the health of GHH. Many grandparents viewed the experience of belonging to a GHH as a positive one, believing that having their grandchildren in their home improved their health. They relied on formal and informal networks such as extended family and churches to help with caretaking responsibilities. Grandparents experienced notable barriers to health related to having the primary responsibility of their grandchildren, including lack of resources and family tension related to incarceration and/or opioid drug use by biological parents. Conclusions GHH, one of the fastest growing family constellations in rural Appalachia and the US, may be particularly vulnerable to health threats elevating their risk for many chronic diseases. Effective health related interventions to address this risk should be based on the socio-ecological context in which these families exist.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Hatcher
- Professor, Mel & Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, Associate Director for community Outreach & Engagement, The University of Arizona Cancer Center
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Whitley DM, Fuller-Thomson E. Latino Solo Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Health Risks and Behaviors. HISPANIC HEALTH CARE INTERNATIONAL 2018; 16:11-19. [PMID: 29493293 DOI: 10.1177/1540415318757219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The purpose of this descriptive report is to provide the first representative information on the sociodemographic profile and the prevalence of mental and physical health conditions of two "at-risk" groups of Latino caregivers: solo grandparent caregivers and single parents. METHODS The 2012 Behavior Risk Factor Surveillance System was used to compare five dimensions of health on a sample of Latino solo grandparents and Latino single parents, raising their grandchildren/children alone. Bivariate and logistic regression comparative analyses were conducted on study measures. RESULTS Latino solo grandparents have a high prevalence of chronic health conditions, including arthritis (51%), depression (40%), diabetes (34%), and asthma (34%). Latino single parents have lower but troubling health risks, including depression (22%), diabetes (14%), and asthma (14%). Differences between the two groups were largely due to the grandparents older age. DISCUSSION Latino solo grandparents have a high prevalence of several chronic medical conditions. The prevalence of disorders is much lower for Latino single parents, although they too have disturbing health risks. CONCLUSION Latino solo grandparents perform their parenting role under intense physical and emotional strain. Health professionals can be instrumental in facilitating interventions that affect the well-being of this expanding family group.
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Does grandchild care influence grandparents' self-rated health? Evidence from a fixed effects approach. Soc Sci Med 2017; 190:67-74. [PMID: 28843872 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2017.08.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2017] [Revised: 08/17/2017] [Accepted: 08/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The present study aims to identify, whether and how supplementary grandchild care is causally related to grandparents' self-rated health (SRH). Based on longitudinal data drawn from the German Aging Survey (DEAS; 2008-2014), I compare the results of pooled OLS, pooled OLS with lagged dependant variables (POLS-LD), random and fixed effects (RE, FE) panel regression. The results show that there is a positive but small association between supplementary grandchild care and SRH in POLS, POLS-LD, and RE models. However, the fixed effects model shows that the intrapersonal change in grandchild care does not cause a change in grandparents' SRH. The FE findings indicate that supplementary grandchild care in Germany does not have a causal impact on grandparents' SRH, suggesting that models with between-variation components overestimate the influence of grandchild care on grandparents' health because they do not control for unobserved (time-constant) heterogeneity.
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Musil CM, Givens SE, Jeanblanc AB, Zauszniewski JA, Warner CB, Toly VB. Grandmothers and Self-Management of Depressive Symptoms. Arch Psychiatr Nurs 2017; 31:234-240. [PMID: 28499561 PMCID: PMC5431279 DOI: 10.1016/j.apnu.2016.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2016] [Revised: 11/07/2016] [Accepted: 11/10/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Carol M Musil
- Case Western Reserve University, Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing, 2120 Cornell Road, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA.
| | - Sarah E Givens
- Case Western Reserve University, Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing, 2120 Cornell Road, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA.
| | - Alexandra B Jeanblanc
- Case Western Reserve University, Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing, 2120 Cornell Road, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA.
| | - Jaclene A Zauszniewski
- Case Western Reserve University, Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing, 2120 Cornell Road, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA.
| | - Camille B Warner
- Case Western Reserve University, Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing, 2120 Cornell Road, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA.
| | - Valerie B Toly
- Case Western Reserve University, Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing, 2120 Cornell Road, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA.
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Taylor MF, Marquis R, Coall DA, Batten R, Werner J. The physical health dilemmas facing custodial grandparent caregivers: Policy considerations. COGENT MEDICINE 2017. [DOI: 10.1080/2331205x.2017.1292594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Myra F. Taylor
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, 270 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup, Western Australia 6027, Australia
| | - Ruth Marquis
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, 270 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup, Western Australia 6027, Australia
| | - David A. Coall
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, 270 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup, Western Australia 6027, Australia
| | - Rachel Batten
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, 270 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup, Western Australia 6027, Australia
| | - Jenni Werner
- Community Vision, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
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Whitley DM, Fuller-Thomson E. African–American Solo Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: A Representative Profile of Their Health Status. J Community Health 2016; 42:312-323. [DOI: 10.1007/s10900-016-0257-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Di Gessa G, Glaser K, Tinker A. The Health Impact of Intensive and Nonintensive Grandchild Care in Europe: New Evidence From SHARE. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci 2016; 71:867-79. [PMID: 26315046 PMCID: PMC4982385 DOI: 10.1093/geronb/gbv055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2014] [Accepted: 05/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Grandparents are an important source of childcare. However, caring for grandchildren may affect grandparents' health in both positive and negative ways. Our study examines the association between grandparental childcare and grandparents' health at 2- and 4-year follow-up. METHOD Our study is based on grandparents aged 50 and older from Waves 1-4 of the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE). Using multivariate analyses, we investigated associations between intensive and nonintensive grandparental childcare at Wave 2 and subsequent health (self-rated health, depressive symptoms, and disability) controlling for covariates and health at baseline. Associations between changes over time in grandparental childcare and health at follow-up were also explored. Multiple imputation techniques and sensitivity analyses were undertaken to investigate possible biases arising from sample attrition. RESULTS Grandparents looking after grandchildren, whether intensively or nonintensively, experienced some health benefits. Associations strengthened when attrition was accounted for, particularly if it is assumed that those who dropped out of the study were in poor health. DISCUSSION Our results show better health among grandparents who provided grandchild care in the European countries studied. These results are important given the widespread provision of grandchild care in Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgio Di Gessa
- Institute of Gerontology, Department of Social Science, Health and Medicine, School of Social Science and Public Policy, King's College London.
| | - Karen Glaser
- Institute of Gerontology, Department of Social Science, Health and Medicine, School of Social Science and Public Policy, King's College London
| | - Anthea Tinker
- Institute of Gerontology, Department of Social Science, Health and Medicine, School of Social Science and Public Policy, King's College London
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Carthron DL, Busam MR. The Diabetic Health of African American Grandmothers Raising their Grandchildren. CLINICAL MEDICINE INSIGHTS. WOMEN'S HEALTH 2016; 9:41-6. [PMID: 27398044 PMCID: PMC4927041 DOI: 10.4137/cmwh.s34694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2016] [Revised: 04/07/2016] [Accepted: 04/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study is to compare the health of primary caregiving African American grandmothers with diabetes with African American women with diabetes who were not primary caregivers. DESIGN Using a comparative, descriptive, cross-sectional design, 34 African American primary caregiving grandmothers were compared with 34 non-caregiving women with diabetes mellitus; women aged 55-75 years were recruited for this study throughout the central Arkansas. METHODS To measure the overall health, data on blood pressure, body mass index measurements, HbA1c levels, total cholesterol, and urine protein and creatinine levels were collected from all the participants. RESULTS Statistically significant differences between the caregivers and non-caregivers groups in systolic pressure (t = -3.42, P = 0.001) and diastolic pressure (t = -3.790, P = 0.000) and urine protein (W = 294.00, P = 0.000) were noted. Additionally, a clinically significant difference in HbA1c was noted between groups. CONCLUSION Differences in systolic and diastolic pressures, urine protein, and clinically significant differences in HbA1c suggest that African American primary caregiving grandmothers with diabetes mellitus may have more difficulty in maintaining their diabetic health than non-caregiving African American women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana L Carthron
- Assistant Professor, Michigan State University, College of Nursing
| | - Maria Rivera Busam
- PhD Candidate, School of Nursing, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, NC, USA
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Di Gessa G, Glaser K, Tinker A. The impact of caring for grandchildren on the health of grandparents in Europe: A lifecourse approach. Soc Sci Med 2016; 152:166-75. [PMID: 26854626 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2016.01.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2015] [Revised: 01/22/2016] [Accepted: 01/24/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Grandparents are becoming an increasingly important source of childcare. However, caring for grandchildren may have negative health consequences particularly for grandparents with intensive commitments such as those with primary care responsibilities. To date most studies on this issue are based on cross-sectional data and do not take earlier life circumstances into account. Thus, it is not known whether (or to what extent) the relationship between grandparental childcare and health is due to cumulative advantage or disadvantage throughout the lifecourse or to the impact of grandchild care per se. Employing data from waves 1-3 of the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe we investigated the longitudinal relationship between grandparental childcare (i.e. intensive and non-intensive) and health once cumulative histories of advantage or disadvantage are taken into account. We used latent class analysis to categorise respondents according to childhood socio-economic and health conditions drawing on life history information. Experiences in adulthood (e.g. periods of ill health) were also captured. We created a latent continuous physical health variable based on self- and observer-measured indicators. OLS regression was used to explore the association between physical health at wave 2 and grandparental childcare at baseline, controlling for conditions in childhood and adulthood, and for health and socio-economic characteristics. We found a positive longitudinal association between grandchild care and health even after earlier life health and socio-economic conditions were taken into account. However, this significant association was found only for grandmothers, and not grandfathers. Our results suggesting the health benefits of grandchild care are important given the widespread provision of grandparental childcare in Europe. However, further research on underlying mechanisms and causal pathways between grandchild care and grandparent health, as well as on gender differences in the pattern of association, is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgio Di Gessa
- Institute of Gerontology, Department of Social Science, Health & Medicine, School of Social Science and Public Policy, King's College London, London WC2R 2LS, UK.
| | - Karen Glaser
- Institute of Gerontology, Department of Social Science, Health & Medicine, School of Social Science and Public Policy, King's College London, London WC2R 2LS, UK
| | - Anthea Tinker
- Institute of Gerontology, Department of Social Science, Health & Medicine, School of Social Science and Public Policy, King's College London, London WC2R 2LS, UK
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Musil CM, Zauszniewski JA, Burant CJ, Toly VB, Warner CB. Evaluating an Online Resourcefulness Training Intervention Pilot Test Using Six Critical Parameters. Int J Aging Hum Dev 2016; 82:117-35. [DOI: 10.1177/0091415015623552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Few resources are available to help grandmother caregivers to grandchildren manage their complex family situations that may have immediate and long-term consequences for themselves and their families. Resourcefulness training is an intervention designed to help grandmothers improve their ability to deal with these problems. The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate the necessity, feasibility, acceptability, fidelity, safety, and effectiveness (i.e., effect sizes) of an online, computer-based resourcefulness training intervention that was adapted from a face-to-face intervention. Twelve grandmothers raising or living with grandchildren participated in the pilot intervention that included (a) watching an instructional video on resourcefulness, (b) completing two online questionnaires over a 6-week time period, and (c) writing in an online journal every day for 4 weeks. Data are evaluated within the context of the six parameters important to intervention development. Qualitative and quantitative results provide initial support for all six parameters. Recommendations to improve aspects of the intervention are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carol M. Musil
- Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | | | - Christopher J. Burant
- Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Cleveland Louis Stokes VA Medical Center, Geriatric Research, Educational, Clinical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Valerie B. Toly
- Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Camille B. Warner
- Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
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Bulanda JR, Jendrek MP. Grandparenting Roles and Volunteer Activity. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci 2016; 71:129-40. [PMID: 24721748 PMCID: PMC4861250 DOI: 10.1093/geronb/gbu033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2011] [Accepted: 03/11/2014] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We examine whether grandparenting roles are related to formal volunteering among older adults. METHOD Logistic regression is used to examine the likelihood of volunteering based on grandchild care using data from the 2004 wave of the Health and Retirement Study (n = 13,785). Longitudinal analyses utilize treatment effects models to examine changes in volunteering for grandparents who begin nonresidential grandchild care between the 2004 and 2008 waves (n = 10,811). RESULTS Results show that grandparents raising coresidential grandchildren have lower odds of volunteering than grandparents providing no regular grandchild care. However, grandparents who provide nonresidential grandchild care are more likely to volunteer than grandparents not providing grandchild care and those raising a coresidential grandchild. Grandparents who provide nonresidential care for grandchildren engage in more volunteering before assuming grandchild care, and their volunteerism increases after becoming a caregiver for a grandchild. DISCUSSION Consistent with resource theory and the accumulation of roles, providing nonresidential grandchild care may draw grandparents into formal volunteer activity. The lower human capital resources evidenced by grandparents raising coresidential grandchildren may play a role in their lower likelihood of formal volunteering.
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Whitley DM, Fuller-Thomson E, Brennenstuhl S. Health Characteristics of Solo Grandparent Caregivers and Single Parents: A Comparative Profile Using the Behavior Risk Factor Surveillance Survey. Curr Gerontol Geriatr Res 2015; 2015:630717. [PMID: 26448744 PMCID: PMC4581507 DOI: 10.1155/2015/630717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2015] [Accepted: 08/19/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives. To describe the health characteristics of solo grandparents raising grandchildren compared with single parents. Methods. Using the 2012 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, respondents identified as a single grandparent raising a grandchild were categorized as a solo grandparent; grandparent responses were compared with single parents. Descriptive analysis compared health characteristics of 925 solo grandparents with 7,786 single parents. Results. Compared to single parents, grandparents have a higher prevalence of physical health problems (e.g., arthritis). Both parent groups have a high prevalence of lifetime depression. A larger share of grandparents actively smoke and did no recreational physical exercise in the last month. However, grandparents appear to have better access to health services in comparison with single parents. Conclusion. Solo grandparents may be at risk for diminished physical capacity and heightened prevalence of depression. Health professionals can be an important resource to increase grandparents' physical and emotional capacities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah M. Whitley
- School of Social Work, Andrew Young School of Policy Studies, Georgia State University, P.O. Box 3993, Atlanta, GA 30302, USA
| | - Esme Fuller-Thomson
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, 246 Bloor Street West, Toronto, ON, Canada M5S 1A1
- Institute for Life Course & Aging, University of Toronto, 263 McCaul Street, Suite 328, Toronto, ON, Canada M5T 1W7
| | - Sarah Brennenstuhl
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, 246 Bloor Street West, Toronto, ON, Canada M5S 1A1
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Sprang G, Choi M, Eslinger JG, Whitt-Woosley AL. The pathway to grandparenting stress: trauma, relational conflict, and emotional well-being. Aging Ment Health 2015; 19:315-24. [PMID: 25056651 DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2014.938606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This paper examines the mediating effect of child-grandparent conflict on the relationship between child trauma exposure and grandparenting stress. METHODS Data was collected from a sample of custodial grandparents who participated in kinship care or relative caregiving programs (n = 251). Grandparenting stress was measured with Parenting Stress Scale (Berry & Jones, 1995 ) modified for grandparents. A series of regression models and structural equation models (SEM) were used to test the relationship between the number of different types of child trauma exposures and grandparenting stress, and to examine the mediating effect of child-grandparent conflicts on the relationship. RESULTS Almost three-fourths (72%) of children had experienced at least one type of traumatic exposure. The SEM model shows that child's trauma exposure indirectly affected grandparenting stress, mediated by child-grandparenting conflicts though no direct path between the child's trauma exposure variable and grandparenting stress was found. A higher level of child-grandparent conflicts was also associated with a lower level of emotional well-being among custodial grandparents. CONCLUSION Based on these findings, recommendations are made about how to tailor a trauma-informed approach to the needs of custodial grandparents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ginny Sprang
- a Center on Trauma and Children , University of Kentucky , Lexington , KY , USA
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Hayslip B, Montoro-Rodriguez J, Smith GC, Strieder F. Group Leaders' Perceptions of Interventions with Grandparent Caregivers: Content and Process. GRANDFAMILIES : THE CONTEMPORARY JOURNAL OF RESEARCH, PRACTICE AND POLICY 2015; 2:32-65. [PMID: 27754491 PMCID: PMC5042342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Nineteen (Mage = 45, SD = 12.8) group leaders who received extensive leadership training were surveyed regarding their experiences in leading a 10-week program with one of three randomized clinical trial (RCT) conditions (cognitive behavior training, parenting skills training, information-only support). While a high percentage indicated that the intervention led by them was beneficial, leaders nevertheless felt that some participants benefited more so than others. Perceived program benefits were linked to regular attendance and the completion of weekly homework. The major benefits to participants were gaining personal insight, receiving and providing support to others, successfully applying learned skills and knowledge to everyday life, and feeling empowered and hopeful about the future. Peer leaders were viewed positively, as was the provision of food and childcare. Group leaders faced numerous practice challenges in conducting group interventions: ensuring regular attendance, keeping participants focused and on track, and dealing with participants who dominated discussions. These unprecedented findings not only allow us insight into the dynamics of leading group interventions with grandmother caregivers, but they may also have implications for influences on the measured efficacy of such programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bert Hayslip
- Department of Psychology, University of North Texas
| | | | - Gregory C Smith
- Human Development and Family Studies, School of Lifespan Development and Educational Sciences, Kent State University
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Hayslip B, Blumenthal H, Garner A. Social Support and Grandparent Caregiver Health: One-Year Longitudinal Findings for Grandparents Raising Their Grandchildren. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci 2014; 70:804-12. [DOI: 10.1093/geronb/gbu165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2013] [Accepted: 10/29/2014] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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Burn K, Szoeke C. Is grandparenting a form of social engagement that benefits cognition in ageing? Maturitas 2014; 80:122-5. [PMID: 25549545 DOI: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2014.10.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2014] [Accepted: 10/30/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Social engagement is a lifestyle factor that has received much attention in preventative research. Numerous studies in the current literature have argued the importance of social engagement in ageing, particularly for cognitive health. One key example of social engagement in later life is the role of a grandparent. This role promotes a socially active lifestyle that may be beneficial to cognitive ageing. Recent research has found that spending some time with grandchildren is beneficial; however, the pressures and responsibilities characteristic of this role should also be taken into consideration, as they may have opposing effects on cognitive health. Given the current popularity of grandparenting as a form of childcare, the interests of the grandparents and the impact on ageing health need to be carefully considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Burn
- University of Melbourne, Grattan St, Parkville 3010, VIC, Australia
| | - Cassandra Szoeke
- University of Melbourne, Grattan St, Parkville 3010, VIC, Australia.
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O’Neal CW, Wickrama KAS, Ralston PA, Ilich JZ, Harris CM, Coccia C, Young-Clark I, Lemacks J. Health insurance status, psychological processes, and older African Americans' use of preventive care. J Health Psychol 2014; 19:491-502. [PMID: 23456216 PMCID: PMC3921264 DOI: 10.1177/1359105312474911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The current study examined the influence of health insurance, psychological processes (i.e. psychological competency and vulnerability), and the interaction of these two constructs on older African Americans' utilization of five preventive care services (e.g. cholesterol screening and mammogram/prostate examination) using data from 211 older African Americans (median age = 60). In addition to direct effects, the influence of health insurance sometimes varied depending on respondents' psychological competency and/or vulnerability. Policies and interventions to increase older African Americans' use of preventive health services should consider structural (e.g. health insurance) and psychological (e.g. psychological competency and vulnerability) factors along with the interaction between these factors.
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Abstract
Objective: Comparatively little longitudinal data exist focusing on grandparent caregiving, to say nothing of health’s impact over time on grandparent and grandchild well-being. Accordingly, the present study explored relationships among grandparent caregiver physical health, well-being, and adjustment, as well as with grandchild well-being across a 1-year period. Method: Participants were 79 grandparents who had full-time responsibility for their grandchildren. Measures of grandparent physical health, well-being, and grandchild well-being were completed across two assessments, 1 year apart. Results: Cross-lagged analyses exploring potential causality over time suggested that with one exception, the relationships between health and well-being appeared to be bidirectional. Discussion: In general, these longitudinal data indicate that better perceived health may provide an adaptive advantage for both grandparent caregivers and their grandchildren, yet also underscore to the potentially causal role that proactivity in the face of adversity plays in the maintenance and improvement of grandparent caregiver health over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bert Hayslip
- University of North Texas, Denton, USA
- Bert Hayslip, Jr., is now at Coastal Carolina University, Conway, USA
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47
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Cox C, Miner J. Grandchildren Raised by Grandparents: Comparing the Experiences of African-American and Tanzanian Grandchildren. JOURNAL OF INTERGENERATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS 2014. [DOI: 10.1080/15350770.2014.870412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Yancura LA. Service use and unmet service needs in grandparents raising grandchildren. JOURNAL OF GERONTOLOGICAL SOCIAL WORK 2013; 56:473-486. [PMID: 23822590 DOI: 10.1080/01634372.2013.804471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Most in-depth studies of grandparents raising grandchildren use samples recruited from service providers, so little is known about those who do not use formal services. A sample of 200 grandparents registered with a public school district completed a survey on service use and unmet service needs. Of the 131 who did not use services, 82 reported unmet service needs, and 49 reported no needs. Those with unmet needs were younger, more likely to be Native Hawaiian, and less likely to receive public assistance. These findings indicate that some grandparents are falling through the cracks of the service provision network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loriena A Yancura
- Department of Family and Consumer Science, University of Hawai'i at Manoa, Honolulu, Hawaii 96822, USA.
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49
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Kelley SJ, Whitley DM, Campos PE. African American caregiving grandmothers: results of an intervention to improve health indicators and health promotion behaviors. JOURNAL OF FAMILY NURSING 2013; 19:53-73. [PMID: 23007422 DOI: 10.1177/1074840712462135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine the efficacy of an intervention to improve the health of grandmothers raising grandchildren. A pre- and post-test design was employed with 504 African American grandmother participants. The intervention included monthly home-based visitation by registered nurses (RNs) and social workers, participation in support groups and parenting classes, referrals for legal services, and early intervention services for children with special needs. The Health Risk Appraisal was used to assess health indicators and health promotion behaviors. A comparison of pre- and post-test scores indicated significant (p < .002) changes in the desired direction for a number of health indicators and health promotion behaviors, including blood pressure, annual routine cancer screenings, frequency of weekly exercise, and improved dietary intake, as well as participants' perception of their health and life satisfaction. No improvements were observed in the proportion of participants who were obese or overweight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan J Kelley
- Byrdine F. Lewis School of Nursing and Health Professions, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA.
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Luo Y, LaPierre TA, Hughes ME, Waite LJ. Grandparents Providing Care to Grandchildren: A Population-Based Study of Continuity and Change. JOURNAL OF FAMILY ISSUES 2012; 33:1143-1167. [PMID: 37736111 PMCID: PMC10512842 DOI: 10.1177/0192513x12438685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
This study examines transitions in grandchild care and the characteristics of grandparents making these transitions, using longitudinal data from a nationally representative sample of 13,626 grandparents in the 1998-2008 Health and Retirement Study. More than 60% of grandparents provided grandchild care over the 10-year period; more than 70% of those did it for 2 years or more. Grandparents with fewer functional limitations and more economic resources were more likely to start or continue nonresidential care, whereas relatively disadvantaged grandparents were more likely to start and continue coresidential care. Grandparents who were African American, younger, married, living with fewer minor children of their own, or had more grandchildren were more likely to start care, particularly nonresidential care. African Americans and Hispanics were more likely than Whites to start and continue coresidential care. These findings demonstrate the heterogeneity of caregiving and point to the lack of resources among those who provide coresidential care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Luo
- Clemson University, Clemson, SC, USA
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