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Justin P, Dorard G, Leu A, Untas A. Young carers supporting a relative with cancer: What is the healthcare professionals' knowledge in France? An exploratory study. Eur J Oncol Nurs 2024; 70:102567. [PMID: 38531294 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejon.2024.102567] [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: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Many children and adolescents support relatives with cancer. However, literature about young carers (YCs) shows a lack of awareness among professionals, especially in oncology. This quantitative study aims to explore the level of knowledge and perceptions of healthcare professionals working with cancer patients about the situations and characteristics of YCs. METHODS 395 professionals participated in an online survey. Professionals reported sociodemographic and professional information and answered several questions evaluating their perceptions about YCs, such as the types of support provided and the consequences of being a YC. Descriptive analysis and group comparisons (Chi-square, Mann-Whitney U, and Kruskal-Wallis tests) by sex, occupation, and patients treated (adult and/or pediatric) are performed on the data collected. RESULTS Overall, per the literature on YCs, professionals provide an adequate description of what a YC can be, even though one in two professionals have never heard the term. Several differences are observed: Men mention fewer types of support that YCs can provide, while women report more negative consequences of being a YC; psychologists and social workers report fewer positive impacts for these young people than the other professionals; professionals who work with pediatric patients mention fewer negative consequences than those who work with adults. CONCLUSION Oncology healthcare professionals have sufficient awareness of YCs; however, several professionals struggle to fully understand the situation of YCs. These findings underline the need for awareness programs in oncology to improve health professionals' understanding of YCs and enhance their identification and support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pauline Justin
- Université Paris Cité, Laboratoire de Psychopathologie et Processus de Santé, F-92100 Boulogne-Billancourt, France; Univ. Lille, CNRS, UMR 9193 - SCALab - Sciences Cognitives et Sciences Affectives, F-59000 Lille, France.
| | - Géraldine Dorard
- Université Paris Cité, Laboratoire de Psychopathologie et Processus de Santé, F-92100 Boulogne-Billancourt, France
| | - Agnes Leu
- University of Basel, Medical Faculty, Institute for Biomedical Ethics, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Aurélie Untas
- Université Paris Cité, Laboratoire de Psychopathologie et Processus de Santé, F-92100 Boulogne-Billancourt, France
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2
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Subramaniam A, Mehta KK. Exploring the Lived Experiences of Caregiving for Older Family Members by Young Caregivers in Singapore: Transition, Trials, and Tribulations. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 21:182. [PMID: 38397673 PMCID: PMC10888348 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21020182] [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: 01/14/2024] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Amidst population ageing trends and epidemiological transitions, there has been a growing emergence of young family caregivers, about whom most studies have been conducted in Western countries. Their subjective experiences and perceptions toward caregiving remain underexplored in Asia. This qualitative study explored the lived experiences of caregiving for older family members by young caregivers in Singapore. Interpretative phenomenological analysis was employed to collect and analyse data from semi-structured, in-depth interviews with six young adult caregivers aged between 23 and 29. Interviews were supplemented with photo-elicitation techniques to deepen interview discussions and uncover experiential significance. Findings illustrated transitions into caregiving, challenges across role conflicts and expectations amidst developmental tasks and transitions, and navigation of intergenerational conflicts and ambivalence. Although no definitive conclusions can be reached from this small-scale study, the findings offer important insights into the convergence and intensity of young caregivers' experiences. Given that caregiving challenges are likely to continue amidst Singapore's rapidly ageing population, these necessitate further in-depth research efforts. Implications for policy and practice across multiple stakeholders interfacing with youth and older adults are presented. A whole-of-society approach is called for to enable young caregivers to realise their full potential while contributing to their ageing families and nation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Araviinthansai Subramaniam
- S R Nathan School of Human Development, Singapore University of Social Sciences, Singapore 599494, Singapore;
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3
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Donnan L, Gaffney JS, Bruce T. Voices from the Margins: Aotearoa/New Zealand Young Carers Reflect on Their Experiences. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:6511. [PMID: 37569051 PMCID: PMC10418818 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20156511] [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: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
Young carers are a largely invisible and unsupported population of Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ) children and youth aged 25 years and under who physically, emotionally, socially, and/or spiritually support loved ones experiencing ill health, disability, substance misuse, mental illness, or advanced age. The total number of young carers in NZ is unknown because census data only capture those aged 15-25. The nine published NZ studies recommend further research, policies, and services for young carers. However, there is a lack of young carer voices to inform their implementation. This paper provides insight into the experiences and needs of 28 young carers, the largest self-identified cohort in NZ research. Throughout phenomenographic interviews, young caring was described as a natural and valued part of being in a whānau/aiga/family, aimed at supporting their loved one's holistic wellbeing. However, the overwhelming nature of caring without recognition or support resulted in poor educational, social, and mental health outcomes for young carers. This paper concludes with a contextualised NZ young carer definition and an urgent call to address the Carers' Strategy Action Plan and listen to, and deliver on, young carers' expressed needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Donnan
- Faculty of Arts, Waipapa Taumata Rau University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
| | - Janet S. Gaffney
- School of Curriculum and Pedagogy, Faculty of Education and Social Work, Waipapa Taumata Rau University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand; (J.S.G.); (T.B.)
| | - Toni Bruce
- School of Curriculum and Pedagogy, Faculty of Education and Social Work, Waipapa Taumata Rau University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand; (J.S.G.); (T.B.)
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4
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Bou C. Factors Associated with the Quality-of-Life of Young Unpaid Carers: A Systematic Review of the Evidence from 2003 to 2019. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:4807. [PMID: 36981715 PMCID: PMC10048985 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20064807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this review was to identify factors influencing the quality of life (QoL) of young people providing care for family members with chronic illnesses, disabilities, and/or mental health and substance abuse problems (young unpaid carers; YC), as well as the social-care related QoL measures. Focused and broad search strategies were performed in four databases, identifying 3145 articles. Following screening, lateral searches, and quality appraisal, 54 studies were included for synthesis. An inductive approach was used to synthesise the findings, grouping factors associated with YC QoL into interrelated themes: "perceived normality of role and identifying as a carer", "social support from formal and unpaid networks", "caring demands and their impact", and "coping strategies". No social-care related QoL measures for YC were found. This systematic review provides groundwork for the development of such a tool and emphasises the need for further studies allowing the investigation of the interrelated factors affecting YC QoL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille Bou
- NIHR School for Social Care Research, London School of Economics and Political Sciences, London WC2A 2AE, UK
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5
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Guggiari E, Fatton M, Becker S, Lewis F, Casu G, Hoefman R, Hanson E, Santini S, Boccaletti L, Nap HH, Hlebec V, Wirth A, Leu A. Visibility as a Key Dimension to Better Health-Related Quality of Life and Mental Health: Results of the European Union Funded "ME-WE" Online Survey Study on Adolescent Young Carers in Switzerland. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:3963. [PMID: 36900974 PMCID: PMC10001720 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20053963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
This paper examines the health-related quality of life (HRQL) and mental health of adolescent young carers (AYCs) aged 15-17 in Switzerland, based on data collected within the Horizon 2020 project 'Psychosocial support for promoting mental health and well-being among AYCs in Europe' (ME-WE). It addresses the following questions: (1) Which characteristics of AYCs are associated with lower HRQL and with higher level of mental health problems? (2) Do AYCs who are less visible and less supported report a lower HRQL and more mental health issues than other AYCs? A total of 2343 young people in Switzerland, amongst them 240 AYCs, completed an online survey. The results show that female AYCs and AYCs with Swiss nationality more often reported having mental health issues than their male and non-Swiss counterparts. Furthermore, the findings show a significant association between receiving support for themselves and visibility from their school or employer and the HRQL. Moreover, AYCs who reported that their school or employer knew about the situation also reported fewer mental health issues. These findings can inform recommendations for policy and practice to develop measures aimed at raising the visibility of AYCs, which is the first step for planning AYC tailored support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Guggiari
- Careum School of Health, Kalaidos University of Applied Sciences, Gloriastrasse 18a, 8006 Zurich, Switzerland
- Careum, Pestalozzistrasse 3, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Marianne Fatton
- Medical Faculty, Institute for Biomedical Ethics, University of Basel, Bernoullistrasse 28, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Saul Becker
- Faculty of Health and Education, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester M15 6BX, UK
| | - Feylyn Lewis
- School of Nursing, Vanderbilt University, Godchaux Hall 179, 461 21st Ave S, Nashville, TN 37240, USA
| | - Giulia Casu
- Department of Psychology, University of Bologna, Viale Berti Pichat 5, 40127 Bologna, Italy
| | - Renske Hoefman
- The Netherlands Institute for Social Research (SCP), Postbus 16164, 2500 BD The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - Elizabeth Hanson
- Department of Health and Caring Sciences, Linnaeus University, 39182 Kalmar, Sweden
- The Swedish Family Care Competence Centre (NKA), 39232 Kalmar, Sweden
| | - Sara Santini
- Centre for Socio-Economic Research on Aging, IRCCS INRCA-National Institute of Health and Science on Aging, Via Santa Margherita 5, 60124 Ancona, Italy
| | - Licia Boccaletti
- Anziani e Non Solo Società Cooperativa Sociale, 41012 Carpi, Italy
| | - Henk Herman Nap
- Vilans-The National Centre of Expertise for Long-Term Care in The Netherlands, Churchilllaan 11, 3527 GV Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Valentina Hlebec
- Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Ljubljana, Kardeljeva pl. 5, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | | | - Agnes Leu
- Careum School of Health, Kalaidos University of Applied Sciences, Gloriastrasse 18a, 8006 Zurich, Switzerland
- Medical Faculty, Institute for Biomedical Ethics, University of Basel, Bernoullistrasse 28, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
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Rivera M, Bliss B, Siskowksi C, Belkowitz J. Recognize and Support Caregiving Youth in Your Care. Pediatrics 2023; 151:190458. [PMID: 36628535 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2022-057740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Brianna Bliss
- Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | | | - Julia Belkowitz
- University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
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7
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Koya K, Chowdhury G, Green E. Young informal carers’ information needs communicated online: Professional and personal growth, finance, health and relationships. J Inf Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1177/01655515221136829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Young informal carers (YICs) are non-professional young individuals providing care and support in various forms, usually to immediate family members, afflicted from a diverse range of both long- and short-term health conditions. Although there is significant knowledge about the information needs of adult carers in general, information needs and information seeking characteristics of the YICs’ community are understudied and are different. This study aims to identify the information needs of YICs communicated over the Internet and understanding their information seeking characteristics through a three-stage qualitative content analysis of posts written by YICs on two notable Internet forums. The analysis of 323 posts dated between March 2010 and April 2019 finds YICs’ needs are categorised by two types of online expression of needs, situational and information. Situational needs are illustrations of current difficult conditions and information needs are direct requests for information. Under situational and information needs, we identify four types of needs expressed: personal and professional growth, health (self and caree), finance and relationships. In addition, the findings indicate 94.36% posts in the sample as situational needs, which depict the uncertainty experienced by YICs under caring circumstances. The findings can assist government organisations and charities by improving the indexing of advice pages of their websites appropriate to the YICs’ search words, better availability of information and advertising, in addition to building quality mobile applications or digital support tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kushwanth Koya
- Information School, Faculty of Social Sciences, The University of Sheffield, UK
| | - Gobinda Chowdhury
- iSchool, Department of Computer & Information Sciences, University of Strathclyde, UK
| | - Emma Green
- Leeds Business School, Leeds Beckett University, UK
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8
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Are We All the Same When Faced with an Ill Relative? A Person-Oriented Approach to Caring Activities and Mental Health in Emerging Adult Students. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19138104. [PMID: 35805765 PMCID: PMC9266199 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19138104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Dealing with the illness/disability of a relative is part of everyday life for many students, who may have to take on caring responsibilities. Fulfilling a caring role during emerging adulthood has been associated with poorer mental health. This study adopts a person-oriented approach in exploring the caring experience in relation to mental health. The sample comprised 3273 students (Mage = 20.19 years, SDage = 1.89; 80.35% female) who answered a series of questionnaires. A cluster analysis identified six patterns of caregiving activities in terms of their nature and extent: few caring activities; household chores; household and financial/practical help; emotional care; sibling care; and many caring activities with emotional and personal care. A series of analyses showed that caring activities differed according to age, gender, living arrangements, financial status, the ill/disabled relative being supported, and the relative’s type of illness/disability. A multivariate analysis of covariance showed that emerging adult students with patterns featuring household chores had better mental health than those with few caring activities. Overall, our findings indicate that having an ill/disabled relative can lead an individual to take on a wide range of caring responsibilities that may have varying consequences for emerging adult students’ mental health.
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9
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Justin P, Dorard G, Untas A. Comment accompagner les jeunes aidants confrontés au cancer d’un proche ? PSYCHO-ONCOLOGIE 2021. [DOI: 10.3166/pson-2021-0166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
La littérature montre que de nombreux enfants et adolescents confrontés au cancer d’un proche apportent une aide significative et régulière. Ces jeunes sont nommés jeunes aidants (JA). Cette situation a des conséquences importantes sur le bien-être et la qualité de vie de ces jeunes. Pourtant, les JA sont aujourd’hui peu identifiés et reconnus en France, et il existe peu de dispositifs pour les soutenir. Cet article se propose d’exposer la place des JA dans le cancer dans notre société, leurs besoins et les dispositifs d’accompagnement pouvant y répondre.
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10
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Wepf H, Joseph S, Leu A. Benefit finding moderates the relationship between young carer experiences and mental well-being. Psychol Health 2021; 37:1270-1286. [PMID: 34180332 DOI: 10.1080/08870446.2021.1941961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Research has shown that some young carers face many negative consequences because of their caring experiences, whereas others seem to be unaffected or even report greater well-being. To understand how caring for a family member or close friend can have these different effects, this study compared benefit finding between young carers and their peers and examined its association with mental well-being. DESIGN We recruited 2,525 adolescents aged 15-21 years (59.6% female, Mage = 17.73) through the Swiss education system. They were asked to complete measures of caring experiences, benefit finding, and mental well-being. Young carers (n = 1,137), including adolescents who currently or formerly provided care, were compared to adolescents without caring experiences (n = 1,388). RESULTS Young carers had a higher level of overall benefit finding than non-carer peers, and their profiles of benefit finding differed regarding the dimensions of growth and empathy. The association between caring experiences and mental well-being was weaker when benefit finding was higher. Benefit finding dimensions were differently associated with mental well-being among young carers. CONCLUSIONS This study shows that caring is associated with benefit finding and suggests that engaging with past stressors in a positive way may promote resilience in young carers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Wepf
- Department of Psychology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Careum School of Health, Kalaidos University of Applied Sciences, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Stephen Joseph
- School of Education, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Agnes Leu
- Careum School of Health, Kalaidos University of Applied Sciences, Zurich, Switzerland.,Institute for Biomedical Ethics, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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Leu A, Wepf H, Sempik J, Nagl-Cupal M, Becker S, Jung C, Frech M. Caring in mind? Professionals' awareness of young carers and young adult carers in Switzerland. HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE IN THE COMMUNITY 2020; 28:2390-2398. [PMID: 32662145 DOI: 10.1111/hsc.13061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Revised: 05/16/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Findings from international research emphasis the need of these young people to be identified and recognised. Therefore, a nationwide quantitative study of professionals' awareness was conducted in the Swiss context. Data were collected from professionals working in education, healthcare and social services. The study examined professionals' familiarity with the terms used to describe young people with caring responsibilities; their ability to identify the population in their professional context; their perception of the relevance of the issue; their ability to support them; and their own training needs. Potential study participants were contacted via email. Data were collected using an online survey, which was open for 14 weeks during the period of September to December 2016. Survey data from 2,311 professionals, who reported being regularly in contact with young people with caring responsibilities in their occupational context, were included for analysis. Of all terms presented in the survey, young carer (YC) was the term most familiar to all professionals. Among healthcare and education sector, the percentage of professionals familiar with this term was higher than that among professionals from social services. Professionals from social services were the most likely to consider the issue relevant to their work, those from education were the least likely. Professionals who were familiar with the terms describing YC were more likely to consider the issue relevant to their work. Study results showed that more than half of the respondents had not identified young people with caring responsibilities, and that the ability of participants to identify YC was related to their occupational sector. The perceived ability to support YC was related to their reported ability to recognise them. In order to enable professionals to support YC, raising awareness, providing training for professionals and a national network of existing organisations should be well considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnes Leu
- Careum School of Health, Zurich, Switzerland
- Institute for Biomedical Ethics, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Hannah Wepf
- Careum School of Health, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Joe Sempik
- School of Social Policy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Martin Nagl-Cupal
- Department of Nursing Science, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Saul Becker
- School of Education and Social Work, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK
| | - Corinna Jung
- Careum School of Health, Zurich, Switzerland
- Institute of Primary Care, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Marianne Frech
- Careum School of Health, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Nursing Science, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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12
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van Wyk NC. Care for carers: A concept analysis of support for carers of ill relatives. Nurs Forum 2020; 56:202-207. [PMID: 33125730 DOI: 10.1111/nuf.12520] [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: 07/16/2020] [Revised: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the study is to clarify the concept "care for carers," and enhance our understanding of caring for carers of ill relatives. Healthcare professionals often refer to "care for carers" when discussing methods to support the carers of ill family relatives. These carers do not always receive the support they need. A literature search of electronic databases and search engines, using the keywords carer, caregiver, caring for the carer, caring for the caregiver was done. Peer-reviewed research articles published between 2014 and 2019 and written in the English language were analyzed. Following retrieval, research articles were analyzed to describe the uses, attributes, antecedents, consequences, and empirical referents of the concept "care for carers." Research articles describing borderline, related, contrary, and illegitimate examples were included. "Care for carers" addresses the unique support needs of those taking care of ill family members. Carers may derive a sense of empowerment from receiving individualized and proactively rendered support. Carers should be supported to develop control over their circumstances, to find meaning in their caring, to become resilient when experiencing challenges, and to confirm their identity as carers of their ill relatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neltjie C van Wyk
- Department of Nursing Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
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13
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van der Werf HM, Paans W, Emmens G, Francke AL, Roodbol PF, Luttik MLA. Expectations and Prospects of Young Adult Caregivers Regarding the Support of Professionals: A Qualitative Focus Group Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:E4299. [PMID: 32560150 PMCID: PMC7344955 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17124299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2020] [Revised: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
There is a lack of service provision for young adult caregivers (18-25 years of age). This study aims to describe the expectations and prospects of young adult caregivers regarding support from health and education professionals. A qualitative focus group design was used. Twenty-five young Dutch adults (aged 18-25 years) who were growing up with a chronically ill family member participated in one of seven focus groups. Qualitative inductive analysis was used to identify codes and main themes. Two overarching themes with five sub-themes emerged from the focus group discussions. The overarching themes are: the 'process of approaching young adults' and the 'types of support these young adults require'. The process of approaching young adults contains the sub-themes: 'recognition, attention, and listening', 'open-minded attitude', 'reliability', and 'respecting autonomy'. The types of support this group requires contains the sub-themes: 'information and emotional support'. Health and education professionals should first and foremost be aware and listen to young adult caregivers, pay attention to them, have an open-minded attitude, respect their autonomy, and have the knowledge to provide them with information and emotional support. Further research could yield comprehensive insights into how professionals can meet these requirements and whether these results apply to male young adult caregivers and young adult caregivers not enrolled in a healthcare-related study program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hinke M. van der Werf
- Research Group Nursing Diagnostics, Hanze University of Applied Sciences, 9714 CA Groningen, The Netherlands; (W.P.); (G.E.); (M.L.A.L.)
| | - Wolter Paans
- Research Group Nursing Diagnostics, Hanze University of Applied Sciences, 9714 CA Groningen, The Netherlands; (W.P.); (G.E.); (M.L.A.L.)
| | - Geertjan Emmens
- Research Group Nursing Diagnostics, Hanze University of Applied Sciences, 9714 CA Groningen, The Netherlands; (W.P.); (G.E.); (M.L.A.L.)
| | - Anneke L. Francke
- Nivel, Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research, 3500 BN Utrecht, The Netherlands;
- APH Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute/Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1007 MB Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Petrie F. Roodbol
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, University Medical Center Groningen, 9700 RB Groningen, The Netherlands;
| | - Marie Louise A. Luttik
- Research Group Nursing Diagnostics, Hanze University of Applied Sciences, 9714 CA Groningen, The Netherlands; (W.P.); (G.E.); (M.L.A.L.)
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Abstract
AIMS AND METHOD To review the literature on the emotional and mental health needs of young carers of parents with mental illness and the extent to which such needs are recognised and supported by professionals. Three databases were systematically searched from 2008 to 2018, and five studies met the inclusion criteria. RESULTS The key findings were that young caregivers had a significantly higher dose-response mortality risk than their peers; were at increased risk of mental health difficulties, especially where the ill family member was a parent and had mental illness or misused substances; were overlooked by professionals owing to a lack of awareness; but could derive benefits from their caring role when appropriately supported. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS Young carers are at increased risk regarding emotional and mental health needs; this risk could be mitigated by professionals recognising the young carer's role and including them in their parent's treatment plan.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Cornelius Ani
- Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust and Imperial College London, UK
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