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Chavan PP, Weitlauf JC, LaMonte MJ, Sisto SA, Tomita M, Gallagher-Thompson D, Shadyab AH, Bidwell JT, Manson JE, Kroenke CH, Hayden KM, Hirsch CH, Mouton CP, Cannell MB, Hovey KM, Wactawski-Wende J. Caregiving and all-cause mortality in postmenopausal women: Findings from the Women's Health Initiative. J Am Geriatr Soc 2024; 72:24-36. [PMID: 37936486 PMCID: PMC10841917 DOI: 10.1111/jgs.18620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Caregiving is commonly undertaken by older women. Research is mixed, however, about the impact of prolonged caregiving on their health, well-being, and mortality risk. Using a prospective study design, we examined the association of caregiving with mortality in a cohort of older women. METHODS Participants were 158,987 postmenopausal women aged 50-79 years at enrollment into the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) who provided information on current caregiving status and caregiving frequency at baseline (1993-1998) and follow-up (2004-2005). Mortality was ascertained from baseline through March of 2019. Cox regression with caregiving status defined as a time-varying exposure was used to estimate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for mortality, adjusting for sociodemographic factors, smoking, and history of diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and cancer. Stratified analyses explored whether age, race-ethnicity, depressive symptoms, frequency of caregiving, optimism, and living status modified the association between caregiver status and mortality. RESULTS At baseline, 40.7% of women (mean age 63.3 years) self-identified as caregivers. During a mean 17.5-year follow-up, all-cause mortality (50,526 deaths) was 9% lower (multivariable-adjusted HR = 0.91, 95% CI: 0.89-0.93) in caregivers compared to non-caregivers. The inverse association between caregiving and all-cause mortality did not differ according to caregiving frequency or when stratified by age, race-ethnicity, depressive symptoms, optimism, or living status (interaction p > 0.05, all). Caregiving was inversely associated with CVD and cancer mortality. CONCLUSION Among postmenopausal women residing across the United States, caregiving was associated with lower mortality. Studies detailing the type and amount of caregiving are needed to further determine its impact on older women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prachi P. Chavan
- Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, School of Public Health and Health Professions, University at Buffalo-SUNY, Buffalo, NY
- Master of Public Health Program, School of Health Professions, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA
| | - Julie C. Weitlauf
- Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
| | - Michael J LaMonte
- Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, School of Public Health and Health Professions, University at Buffalo-SUNY, Buffalo, NY
| | - Sue Ann Sisto
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, School of Public Health and Health Professions, University at Buffalo-SUNY, NY
| | - Machiko Tomita
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, School of Public Health and Health Professions, University at Buffalo-SUNY, NY
| | | | - Aladdin H. Shadyab
- Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human, University of California San Diego, Longevity Science, La Jolla, CA
| | - Julie T. Bidwell
- Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing, Family Caregiving Institute, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA
| | - JoAnn E. Manson
- Division of Preventive Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, MA
| | | | - Kathleen M Hayden
- Department of Social Sciences and Health Policy, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC
| | - Calvin H. Hirsch
- Division of General Medicine, University of California Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA
| | - Charles P. Mouton
- Office of Provost, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX
| | - Michael Brad Cannell
- Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics, and Environmental Science, School of Public Health, University of Texas Health Science Center, Dallas, TX
| | - Kathleen M Hovey
- Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, School of Public Health and Health Professions, University at Buffalo-SUNY, Buffalo, NY
| | - Jean Wactawski-Wende
- Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, School of Public Health and Health Professions, University at Buffalo-SUNY, Buffalo, NY
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2
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Daynes-Kearney R, Gallagher S. Online Support Groups for Family Caregivers: Scoping Review. J Med Internet Res 2023; 25:e46858. [PMID: 38090796 PMCID: PMC10753418 DOI: 10.2196/46858] [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: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Caregiving can affect people of all ages and can have significant negative health impacts on family caregivers themselves. Research has shown that social support acts as a buffer against many negative health impacts. A common source of social support is support groups. Although traditionally, these groups were conducted in a face-to-face setting, the advent of the internet, social media applications, and the smartphone have seen online support groups (OSGs) develop as a space where many caregivers seek support. The number of OSGs has increased exponentially, but there is no clear consensus on what factors or characteristics of OSGs contribute to social support development within them or what types of OSGs are available to family caregivers. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to conduct a scoping review to contribute to the understanding of the types and characteristics of OSGs for family caregivers. METHODS Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines, the CINAHL, PsychInfo, Psych Articles, Social Sciences, Communication Source, Medline, and Web of Science databases were searched for studies (caregiver focused, adults aged 18 years or older, online social support groups, caring for a living person, peer-reviewed journal publications on empirical research). In total, 19 studies were included in the review. The research questions were (1) what type of social support groups are online for adult family caregivers, (2) what the communication mediums and characteristics of these OSGs are, and (3) what psychosocial or other factors make OSGs successful or unsuccessful for participants. RESULTS In response to the first research question, we found that the majority of OSGs took place on public text-based forums and were illness specific. Where demographics were reported, participants were predominately women, White, and working with university-level education. There were a variety of caregiving relationships. For the second research question, the most common communication medium found was text-based communication, with the use of emojis, photos, and GIF (Graphics Interchange Format) files as part of these exchanges. Most frequently, the OSGs were asynchronous with a degree of anonymity, not time-limited by the frequency of contact or duration, and moderated by peer or professional moderators or facilitators. Results for the third research question explored the overarching categories of safe communication and engagement and group management. These described successful OSGs as having a focus on similar others with shared lived experiences communicated in a nonjudgmental space overseen by trained peer or professional facilitators. CONCLUSIONS There are several key considerations for OSGs to be successful for family caregivers. A general recommendation for practitioners is to give importance to building active moderation and multifaceted structures of support to meet different levels of caregiver needs and the ability to engage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosemary Daynes-Kearney
- Study of Anxiety, Stress and Health Laboratory, Department of Psychology, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
- Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Stephen Gallagher
- Study of Anxiety, Stress and Health Laboratory, Department of Psychology, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
- Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
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3
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Singh Solorzano C, Cattane N, Mega A, Orini S, Zanetti O, Chattat R, Marizzoni M, Pievani M, Cattaneo A, Festari C. Psychobiological effects of an eHealth psychoeducational intervention to informal caregivers of persons with dementia: a pilot study during the COVID-19 pandemic in Italy. Aging Clin Exp Res 2023; 35:3085-3096. [PMID: 37943404 PMCID: PMC10721699 DOI: 10.1007/s40520-023-02610-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The workload associated with caring for a person with dementia (PwD) could negatively affect informal caregivers' physical and mental health. According to the recent literature, there is a need for studies testing the implementation of affordable and accessible interventions for improving caregivers' well-being. AIMS This study aimed to explore the feasibility and effectiveness of an 8 week eHealth psychoeducation intervention held during the COVID-19 pandemic in Italy in reducing the psychological burden and neuroendocrine markers of stress in caregivers of PwD. METHODS Forty-one informal caregivers of PwD completed the eHealth psychoeducation intervention. Self-reported (i.e., caregiver burden, anxiety symptoms, depressive symptoms, and caregiver self-efficacy) and cortisol measurements were collected before and after the intervention. RESULTS Following the intervention, the caregivers' self-efficacy regarding the ability to respond to disruptive behaviours improved (t = - 2.817, p = 0.007), anxiety and burden levels decreased (state anxiety: t = 3.170, p = 0.003; trait anxiety: t = 2.327, p = 0.025; caregiver burden: t = 2.290, p = 0.027), while depressive symptoms and cortisol levels did not change significantly. Correlation analyses showed that the increase in self-efficacy was positively associated with the improvement of caregiver burden from pre- to post-intervention (r = 0.386, p = 0.014). The intervention had a low rate of dropout (n = 1, due to the patient's death) and high levels of appreciation. DISCUSSION The positive evidence and participation rate support the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed eHealth psychoeducational intervention to meet the need for knowledge of disease management and possibly reduce detrimental effects on caregivers' psychological well-being. CONCLUSION Further placebo-controlled trials are needed to test the generalizability and specificity of our results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Singh Solorzano
- Laboratory of Alzheimer's Neuroimaging and Epidemiology, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Via Pilastroni 4, 25125, Brescia, Italy.
| | - Nadia Cattane
- Biological Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy
| | - Anna Mega
- UOC Neurologia, ULSS 9 Scaligera-Distretto 4, Verona, Italy
| | - Stefania Orini
- Alzheimer Unit, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Università degli Studi di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Orazio Zanetti
- Alzheimer Unit, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy
| | - Rabih Chattat
- Department of Psychology, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Moira Marizzoni
- Laboratory of Alzheimer's Neuroimaging and Epidemiology, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Via Pilastroni 4, 25125, Brescia, Italy
- Biological Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy
| | - Michela Pievani
- Laboratory of Alzheimer's Neuroimaging and Epidemiology, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Via Pilastroni 4, 25125, Brescia, Italy
| | - Annamaria Cattaneo
- Biological Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Cristina Festari
- Laboratory of Alzheimer's Neuroimaging and Epidemiology, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Via Pilastroni 4, 25125, Brescia, Italy
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4
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Ngamasana EL, Zarwell M, Gunn LH. Physical and mental health of informal caregivers before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:2349. [PMID: 38012592 PMCID: PMC10683238 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-17164-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Informal caregiving, a common form of social support, can be a chronic stressor with health consequences for caregivers. It is unclear how varying restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic affected caregivers' physical and mental health. This study explores pre-post March 2020 differences in reported days of poor physical and mental health among informal caregivers. METHODS Data from the 2019/2020 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System survey were used to match, via propensity scores, informal caregivers who provided care during COVID-19 restrictions to those who provided care before the pandemic. Negative binomial weighted regression models estimated incidence rate ratios (IRRs) and differences by demographics of reporting days of poor physical and mental health. A sensitivity analysis including multiple imputation was also performed. RESULTS The sample included 9,240 informal caregivers, of whom 861 provided care during the COVID-19 pandemic. The incidence rate for days of poor physical health was 26% lower (p = 0.001) for those who provided care during the COVID-19 pandemic, though the incidence rates for days of poor mental health were not statistically different between groups. Informal caregivers with low educational attainment experienced significantly higher IRRs for days of poor physical and mental health. Younger informal caregivers had a significantly lower IRR for days of poor physical health, but higher IRR for days of poor mental health. CONCLUSIONS This study contends that the physical and mental health burden associated with informal caregiving in a period of great uncertainty may be heightened among certain populations. Policymakers should consider expanding access to resources through institutional mechanisms for informal caregivers, who may be likely to incur a higher physical and mental health burden during public health emergencies, especially those identified as higher risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emery L Ngamasana
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC, USA.
| | - Meagan Zarwell
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC, USA
| | - Laura H Gunn
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC, USA
- School of Data Science, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC, USA
- Department of Primary Care and Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
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5
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Lee Y, Bierman A. A Profile of Positive and Negative Caregiving Experiences Among Canadian Older Adults: The Relevance of Demographic and Care Contexts. J Appl Gerontol 2023; 42:2003-2008. [PMID: 37083110 DOI: 10.1177/07334648231172353] [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] [Indexed: 04/22/2023] Open
Abstract
This study examines the predictors of burdens and benefits of informal caregiving to caregivers by examining how demographic characteristics and care contexts simultaneously predict separate scales of positive and negative caregiving experiences. The Caregiving, Aging, and Financial Experiences study is a national survey which examines a representative sample of 4010 Canadians between the ages of 65 and 85, including 1641 informal caregivers that are the focus of the current analysis. Seemingly unrelated regression analyses show that there are similarities as well as differences in predictors between the two caregiving experiences. More frequent involvement in caregiving is associated with greater negative caregiving experiences but those are not significant predictors for less positive caregiving experiences. This study demonstrates that there are some overlaps of determinants of the two caregiving experiences, and a few of them are distinct. Further studies should warrant to identify additional, unobserved factors explaining variance in positive caregiving experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeonjung Lee
- Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
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Bin Eid W, Lim M, Gabrieli G, Kölbel M, Halstead E, Esposito G, Dimitriou D. Habilitation of sleep problems among mothers and their children with autism spectrum disorder: Insights from multi-level exploratory dyadic analyses. FRONTIERS IN REHABILITATION SCIENCES 2022; 3:915060. [PMID: 36211831 PMCID: PMC9533106 DOI: 10.3389/fresc.2022.915060] [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: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Few habilitation strategies for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) consider their sleep-related problems. Together with the fact that caregivers of children with ASD also face issues with sleep, there may be yet-to-be uncovered relationships between caregiver-child sleep patterns and sleep quality, offering a key opportunity for clinicians to consider the needs of both child and caregiver in terms of sleep. 29 dyads of mothers and their children with ASD were recruited for this cohort study and both subjective (self-report questionnaires and sleep diaries) and objective (cortisol samples and actigraphy) measures of sleep were collected to investigate significant predictors of sleep quality. Comparative, correlational, and hierarchical analyses were conducted. Findings indicated that both mother and child experience sleep deprivation in terms of shorter sleep duration and poor sleep quality in terms of longer sleep onset latencies and a higher frequency of wake bouts. Exploratory hierarchical analyses also found that child-related sleep difficulties such as sleep disordered breathing and night waking significantly predict mothers' sleep quality, which may point to the bi-directional influence of mother-child sleep. Based on these findings, it is recommended that clinicians adopt a family systems perspective and consider the sleep environment of the household, particularly that of the caregiver and child, when designing interventions for sleep-related problems in ASD. Finally, there is a need for additional support to promote good quality sleep among caregivers of children with ASD to bolster out-of-clinic care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wasmiah Bin Eid
- Sleep Education and Research Laboratory, UCL Institute of Education, London, UK
| | - Mengyu Lim
- Psychology Program, School of Social Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Giulio Gabrieli
- Psychology Program, School of Social Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Melanie Kölbel
- Sleep Education and Research Laboratory, UCL Institute of Education, London, UK
- Department of Developmental Neurosciences Unit, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Elizabeth Halstead
- Sleep Education and Research Laboratory, UCL Institute of Education, London, UK
| | - Gianluca Esposito
- Affiliative Behaviour and Physiology Lab, Department of Psychology and Cognitive Science, University of Trento, Italy
| | - Dagmara Dimitriou
- Sleep Education and Research Laboratory, UCL Institute of Education, London, UK
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7
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Bierman A, Lee Y, Penning MJ. Mental Health Benefits and Detriments of Caregiving Demands: A Nonlinear Association in the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging. J Aging Health 2022; 35:392-404. [PMID: 36112750 PMCID: PMC10150259 DOI: 10.1177/08982643221125258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Objectives This study examines whether the association between caregiving demands and mental health is non-linear and also, whether this non-linear association is contingent on the marital status of the caregiver. Methods We analyze the data from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging, applying OLS regression and quadratic interaction terms. Results A lower level of demands is salubriously associated with symptoms of depression and life satisfaction, but this association becomes deleterious at higher levels of demands. Moreover, a connection to a marital partner extends the benefits of caregiving demands and stems the adverse consequences. Discussion This research shows that acts of caregiving may not themselves be detrimental. Instead, the degree and way in which caregiving relates to mental health may vary by both the extent of the demands of the caregiving role and familial relationships in which caregivers are embedded.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yeonjung Lee
- University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Korea
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Fusar-Poli L, Surace T, Meo V, Patania F, Avanzato C, Pulvirenti A, Aguglia E, Signorelli MS. Psychological well-being and family distress of Italian caregivers during the COVID-19 outbreak. JOURNAL OF COMMUNITY PSYCHOLOGY 2022; 50:2243-2259. [PMID: 34897728 DOI: 10.1002/jcop.22772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Revised: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The present study aimed to investigate the personal well-being and family distress of Italian caregivers during the lockdown. Five hundred sixty-five family caregivers and 638 age- and sex-matched noncaregivers completed a web-based survey. The following scales were administered to all participants: General Health Questionnaire-12 items (GHQ-12), Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), Brief Resilient Coping Scale (BRCS), and Family Distress Index (FDI). Caregivers were also asked to provide information about their family members with disabilities. Individual and family distress, as well as insomnia, were significantly higher in caregivers than controls. Contrariwise, caregivers reported lower resilience levels. Multiple linear regression showed that distress was higher in caregivers living in Central and Southern Italy. Individual well-being was negatively predicted by low independence measured by the activities of daily living (ADL). Family distress was higher in households of psychiatric patients. Finally, low resilience levels appeared as the strongest predictors of both individual and family distress. The lockdown caused severe distress among caregivers and families of people with disabilities. Support networks for people with disabilities and their families are fundamental to prevent severe consequences from a psychological, social, and economical point of view.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Fusar-Poli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Psychiatry Unit, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Teresa Surace
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Psychiatry Unit, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Valeria Meo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Psychiatry Unit, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Federica Patania
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Psychiatry Unit, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Chiara Avanzato
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Psychiatry Unit, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Alfredo Pulvirenti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Unit of Bioinformatics and Computer Science, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Eugenio Aguglia
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Psychiatry Unit, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Maria Salvina Signorelli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Psychiatry Unit, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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Bin Eid W, Lim M, Gabrieli G, Kölbel M, Halstead E, Esposito G, Dimitriou D. Alterations in Cortisol Profiles among Mothers of Children with ASD Related to Poor Child Sleep Quality. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:healthcare10040666. [PMID: 35455843 PMCID: PMC9032515 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10040666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience poorer sleep, but studies have not yet used objective measures to investigate how child and caregiver sleep affect each other. In this study, 29 mothers and their child with ASD aged between 6 and 16 years were recruited. Questionnaires measuring child autism, maternal depression, and maternal and child sleep quality were administered. Cortisol salivary samples were also obtained from the mothers over the course of a day. Results revealed that maternal depression is significantly correlated with their subjective sleep quality, sleep latency and daytime dysfunction. Child sleep quality was also found to be significantly correlated with ASD severity. In terms of maternal cortisol profiles, a significant number of mothers showed a flattened diurnal cortisol expression, and children of mothers with a flattened cortisol profile had significantly more sleep problems. Overall, results suggest that maternal and child sleep are affected by the child’s disability but also are mutually related. Future studies may consider employing measures such as actigraphy or somnography to quantify sleep quality and establish causal pathways between sleep, cortisol expression and caregiver and child outcomes. The present study has clinical implications in examining family sleep when considering treatment for ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wasmiah Bin Eid
- Sleep Education and Research Laboratory, UCL Institute of Education, London WC1H 0AA, UK; (W.B.E.); (M.K.); (E.H.)
| | - Mengyu Lim
- Psychology Program, School of Social Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 48 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 639818, Singapore; (M.L.); (G.G.)
| | - Giulio Gabrieli
- Psychology Program, School of Social Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 48 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 639818, Singapore; (M.L.); (G.G.)
| | - Melanie Kölbel
- Sleep Education and Research Laboratory, UCL Institute of Education, London WC1H 0AA, UK; (W.B.E.); (M.K.); (E.H.)
- Department of Developmental Neurosciences Unit, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Elizabeth Halstead
- Sleep Education and Research Laboratory, UCL Institute of Education, London WC1H 0AA, UK; (W.B.E.); (M.K.); (E.H.)
| | - Gianluca Esposito
- Affiliative Behaviour and Physiology Lab, Department of Psychology and Cognitive Science, University of Trento, Corso Bettini, 84, I-38068 Trento, Italy;
| | - Dagmara Dimitriou
- Sleep Education and Research Laboratory, UCL Institute of Education, London WC1H 0AA, UK; (W.B.E.); (M.K.); (E.H.)
- Correspondence:
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10
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Stephen G, Kate M B. Caregiving and allostatic load predict future illness and disability: A population-based study. Brain Behav Immun Health 2021; 16:100295. [PMID: 34589788 PMCID: PMC8474636 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2021.100295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Caring for sick or disabled relatives is a key model for understanding the effects of chronic stress on immunity/inflammation; biomarkers which are part of an index of allostatic load. Here, we examine whether caring and allostatic load are predictive of future illness/disability and if the association between caring and illness/disability is mediated by allostatic load. Method Using data from the Understanding Society Wave 2 (2011) and Wave 9 (2017–2019) datasets in the UK, a sample of 471 of caregivers and 2,151 non-caregivers (all initially healthy) were compared on allostatic load and future illness/disability. Results Caregivers had higher allostatic risk scores, for total as well as immune and non-immune biomarkers, and were more likely (23.3% vs 17.4%) to have an illness/disability in the future compared to non-caregivers. Moreover, caregiving was responsible for a 33% future illness/disability risk. Further, allostatic load was also predictive of excess risk (OR = 1.18, 95% CI = 1.08 – 1.26; p < .001); higher allostatic load was associated with increased risk of illness/disability in the future. In an unadjusted mediation model, allostatic load mediated the association between caregiving and future illness/disability. However, after controlling for confounding, the mediation became non-significant. Conclusions These results confirm that caregiving and allostatic load are damaging for future health. Results are also discussed in relation to public health aspects of caregiving. Caregivers have a greater risk of future illness and disability relative to non-caregivers. Allostatic load is higher among caregivers. Risk of illness and disability continued beyond cessation of caring. Caregiving and allostatic load predicted future illness and disability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gallagher Stephen
- Department of Psychology, Centre for Social Issues Research, Study of Anxiety, Stress and Health Laboratory, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland.,Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Castletroy, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Bennett Kate M
- School of Psychology, University of Liverpool, Eleanor Rathbone Building, Bedford Street South, Liverpool, UK
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11
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Walsh CP, Bovbjerg DH, Marsland AL. Glucocorticoid resistance and β2-adrenergic receptor signaling pathways promote peripheral pro-inflammatory conditions associated with chronic psychological stress: A systematic review across species. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 128:117-135. [PMID: 34116126 PMCID: PMC8556675 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Revised: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Activation of the HPA-axis and SNS are widely accepted to link chronic stress with elevated levels of peripheral pro-inflammatory markers in blood. Yet, empirical evidence showing that peripheral levels of glucocorticoids and/or catecholamines mediate this effect is equivocal. Recent attention has turned to the possibility that cellular sensitivity to these ligands may contribute to inflammatory mediators that accompany chronic stress. We review current evidence for the association of chronic stress with glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and β-adrenergic receptor (β-AR) signaling sensitivity. Across 15 mouse, 7 primate, and 19 human studies, we found that chronic stress reliably associates with downregulation in cellular GR sensitivity, alterations in intracellular β-AR signaling, and upregulation in pro-inflammatory biomarkers in peripheral blood. We also present evidence that alterations in GR and β-AR signaling may be specific to myeloid progenitor cells such that stress-related signaling promotes release of cells that are inherently less sensitive to glucocorticoids and differentially sensitive to catecholamines. Our findings have broad implications for understanding mechanisms by which chronic stress may contribute to pro-inflammatory phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dana H Bovbjerg
- Department of Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, United States; Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, United States.
| | - Anna L Marsland
- Department of Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, United States.
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Lovell B, Elder GJ, Wetherell MA. Sleep disturbances and physical health problems in caregivers of children with ASD. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2021; 113:103932. [PMID: 33730686 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2021.103932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Revised: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorder self-report more physical health problems than controls. Sleep disturbances are also more prevalent in caregivers, and are positively associated with physical health problems. The negative impact of caring for a child with ASD on physical health therefore, might occur indirectly via poorer sleep. METHODS Participants, of which n = 43 were caregivers and n = 17 were controls, completed self-report measures of physical health problems and, to capture objective measures of sleep, wore an actigraphy device. RESULTS Physical health problems were greater in caregivers, as were subjective reports of disturbed sleep. Objectively, waking after sleep onset (WASO) and average number of awakenings were higher, as was sleep latency, and sleep efficiency was poorer, in caregivers. Total sleep time however, was greater in caregivers, as was time in bed. Physical health problems, while unrelated to actigraphy measures, were positively associated with self-reported sleep disturbances. Caregivers' increased risk for physical health problems occurred indirectly via greater self-reports of disturbed sleep. CONCLUSIONS Interventions that help alleviate caregivers' sleep disturbances might be effective, by reducing physical health problems, for improving quality of provided care, and this might be explored in future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Lovell
- Department of Psychology, Northumbria University, United Kingdom.
| | - Greg J Elder
- Department of Psychology, Northumbria University, United Kingdom
| | - Mark A Wetherell
- Department of Psychology, Northumbria University, United Kingdom
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Validity of the Compassionate Engagement and Action Scales with family carers of older adults: confirmatory factor analyses. Int Psychogeriatr 2021; 33:373-383. [PMID: 32928331 DOI: 10.1017/s1041610220001738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To confirm the factor validity of the Compassionate Engagement and Action Scales (CEAS), as set out in the original development study, when used with a sample of family carers of older adults. DESIGN A series of confirmatory factor analyses were undertaken to test the previously proposed factor solutions of each scale. SETTING As part of a larger cross-sectional survey, the scales were completed online or via hard copy between July and December 2019. PARTICIPANTS An international sample of 171 family carers of adults aged 65 years or older. MEASUREMENTS The CEAS are three measures that individually assess Compassion for Self, Compassion to Others, and Compassion from Others. All scales measure two aspects, "engagement" and "actions" (two-factor solution), and Compassion for Self also measures two further dimensions within engagement: "sensitivity to suffering" and "engagement with suffering" (three-factor solution). RESULTS Results were largely consistent with the two-factor solutions proposed for the three orientations of compassion, with acceptable fit and good internal reliability. There was some support for the three-factor solution of Compassion for Self; however, despite model fit comparable to the two-factor solution, internal reliability of the delineated "engagement" dimensions was low, and there was a weak factor loading for item 5 that measured distress tolerance. CONCLUSIONS Use of the CEAS with family carers of older adults is promising. Further research is recommended with larger samples and to explore distress tolerance as a competency within conceptualization and measurement of compassion.
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Dijkstra-de Neijs L, Leenen PJM, Hays JP, van der Valk ES, Kraaij R, van Rossum EFC, Ester WA. Biological Consequences of Psychological Distress in Caregivers of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and its Potential Relevance to Other Chronic Diseases Including Cancer. CURR EPIDEMIOL REP 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s40471-020-00237-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
Purpose of Review
Caregivers of children with a chronic illness are a neglected group in medical research and patient care, and are frequently confronted with chronic psychological distress. The biological consequences of this chronic distress are unclear but highly relevant, as these caregivers have a lifelong task in caring for their child. In this review, the authors specifically describe caregiver distress related to autism spectrum disorder (ASD), but the review may be relevant to other chronic diseases, including cancer.
Recent Findings
Epidemiological evidence illustrates the increased mortality risk in caregivers of children with ASD although some individual factors appear to diminish these risks. Biological studies demonstrate that caregiver distress can lead to dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal-axis, a pro-inflammatory state of the immune and central nervous system, and gut microbiome imbalance.
Summary
Caregivers of children with a chronic illness like ASD deserve more health-related attention with respect to their psychological and physical well-being. Such attention would benefit individual caregivers, as well as their children, as both are highly interconnected. Structural psychological and physical screening of caregivers can be considered.
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Conditions for assessing cortisol in sheep: the total form in blood v. the free form in saliva. Animal 2020; 14:1916-1922. [PMID: 32264991 DOI: 10.1017/s1751731120000695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Cortisol is often used as a stress indicator in animal behaviour research. Cortisol is commonly measured in plasma and can also be measured in saliva. Saliva contains only the free form of cortisol, which is biologically active, and saliva sampling is not invasive and may therefore be less stressful. Our study aims to guide the choice between the measurements of cortisol in plasma v. saliva depending on experimental conditions. We analysed the effect of the level of cortisol in plasma on the concentration of cortisol in saliva compared to plasma and the effect of saliva sampling v. jugular venepuncture on the cortisol response. In Experiment 1, blood and saliva were collected simultaneously under conditions in which the expected cortisol release in blood varied: in an undisturbed situation or after the isolation of lambs from their pens or the administration of exogenous ACTH (six animals per treatment). In Experiment 2, we subjected lambs to saliva sampling, venepuncture or neither of these for 8 days to evaluate how stressful the sampling method was and whether the animals habituated to it by comparing the responses between the first and last days (four animals per treatment). All animals were equipped with jugular catheters to allow regular blood sampling without disturbance. Samples were collected 15 min before any treatment was applied, then at various time points up to 135 min in Experiment 1 and 45 min in Experiment 2. In Experiment 1, we observed a strong correlation between salivary and plasma cortisol concentrations (r = 0.81, P < 0.001). The ratio between salivary and plasma cortisol concentrations was 0.106 on average. This ratio was higher and more variable when the cortisol concentration in plasma was below 55 nmol/l. In Experiment 2, venepuncture induced a larger cortisol response than saliva sampling or no intervention on day 1 (P < 0.02); this difference was not observed on day 8, suggesting that sheep habituated to venepuncture. We recommend the measurement of cortisol in saliva to avoid stressing animals. However, when the expected concentration in plasma is below 55 nmol/l, the cortisol in saliva will reflect only the free fraction of the cortisol, which may be a limitation if the focus of the experiment is on total cortisol. In addition, if cortisol is measured in plasma and blood is collected by venepuncture, we recommend that sheep be habituated to venepuncture, at least to the handling required for a venepuncture.
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Murfield J, Moyle W, O'Donovan A. Self-compassion as an applicable intervention target for family carers of older adults: A conceptual commentary. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry 2020; 35:376-383. [PMID: 31894594 DOI: 10.1002/gps.5257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2019] [Accepted: 12/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jenny Murfield
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Griffith University, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Wendy Moyle
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Griffith University, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Analise O'Donovan
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,School of Applied Psychology, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
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Lafferty A, Phillips D, Paul G, Fealy G, Fahy M, Dowling-Hetherington L, Duffy C, Moloney B, Kroll T. Stage 1 Registered Report: A scoping review protocol to map the evidence on family carers who combine work with care. HRB Open Res 2019. [DOI: 10.12688/hrbopenres.12905.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Family carers are considered the backbone of care provision in the community for those who are dependent due to frailty, disability or chronic illness. As the proportion of older people increases worldwide, it is anticipated that there will be a corresponding increase in reliance on family carers. Furthermore, due to the increasing participation of women in the workforce and delayed retirement, the proportion of carers who combine paid employment with caregiving responsibilities is likely to increase. Consequently, support for family carers who balance work with care is becoming a growing health, business, economic and social issue. However, research in this field is somewhat fragmented. Aim: This paper presents a protocol for a scoping review which aims to systematically and comprehensively map out the available published and unpublished literature on family carers who combine work with caring responsibilities. Methods: The scoping review will be undertaken in six steps: (1) identify the research question; (2) identify relevant studies; (3) select studies; (4) chart the data; (5) collate, summarise and report the results and (6) consult with relevant stakeholders. The review will be guided by the PRISMA-ScR framework guidelines to ensure methodological and reporting quality. A minimum of two reviewers will independently review articles for inclusion within the review. The review process will be iterative and the research question(s) and search strategy will be refined as the review progresses. Conclusion: This review will provide a mapped synthesis of the extent and nature of the available published and unpublished literature on family carers who juggle the competing demands of caregiving and paid work. Findings will be used to determine whether there is merit in carrying out a full systematic literature review and will provide direction for the next steps of a larger research project, which aims to support family carers in the workplace.
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