OBJECTIVES:
To compare elderly caregivers with non-caregivers regarding their health psychosocial and functional status, and to investigate the influence of socioeconomic variables on these conditions in both groups.
METHODS:
A study involving elderly residents from three Brazilian cities - Parnaíba-PI, Campinas-SP and Ivoti-RS - from FIBRA study. The sample was composed of 676 older adults, 338 caregivers and 338 non-caregivers. Caregivers were identified through two questions of the Elders Life Stress Inventory (ELSI) regarding care provision. The instruments used were: the Brazilian versions of the Geriatric Depression Scale, the Interpersonal Support Evaluation List and the Lawton instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale (IADL), and 13 items of advanced activities of daily living and a scale of life satisfaction. We applied self-report questions about age, gender, family income, number of diseases and fatigue.
RESULTS:
The elderly caregivers were about 29% of the sample. The task of caring was more frequent among women (65.7%), aged between 65 and 74 years and among those with lower income. A higher frequency of insomnia complaint was observed among caregivers compared to non-caregivers (p=0.013). For both groups, low income influenced the quality of sleep and dependence in IADL and more depressive symptoms among caregivers (p=0.24). In addition women had a greater number of diseases and men were more restricted in social participation. Older caregivers were more dependent in IADL (p=0.015).
CONCLUSION:
Socioeconomic status can influence negatively in physical health status and psychological well-being, particularly among elderly caregivers.
Caregivers; Health of the Elderly; Depression; Socioeconomic Factors; Gender Identity; Aging