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Kim D, Russell BS, Park CL, Fendrich M. Emotion dysregulation and family functioning moderate family caregiving burden during the pandemic. Palliat Support Care 2024; 22:451-459. [PMID: 37997433 DOI: 10.1017/s1478951523001712] [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: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Since the onset of COVID-19 pandemic, additional risk factors affecting family caregivers' mental health have arisen. Therefore, personal stress coping strategies and family dynamics became important factors in reducing the impact of the pandemic on family caregivers' mental health. The present research aimed to estimate the association between COVID-19 stressors and family caregiving burden. Moreover, moderating effects of emotion dysregulation and family functioning on this association were investigated. METHODS This study analyzed data collected in April 2021 from 154 family caregivers (Mage = 38.79, SDage = 9.36, range = 22-64) recruited through Amazon's Mechanical Turk (MTurk). The impact of COVID-19 stressors on family caregiving burden was tested, and moderating impacts of emotion dysregulation and family functioning were also investigated. RESULTS Both COVID-19 stress exposure and stress appraisal were positively associated with family caregiving burden. Emotion dysregulation and problematic family functioning were also positively associated with family caregiving burden. A significant moderating effect of emotion dysregulation was found, such that family caregivers with higher emotion dysregulation were likely to feel more caregiving burden when they experienced more COVID-19 stressors. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS The current research highlighted the role of emotion regulation in reducing the negative impact of COVID-19 stressors on family caregiving burden. The research also emphasizes the need for intervention programs to improve emotion regulation strategies to decrease family caregiving burden during the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dahee Kim
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
| | - Beth S Russell
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
| | - Crystal L Park
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
| | - Michael Fendrich
- School of Social Work, University of Connecticut, Hartford, Connecticut, USA
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2
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Rico-Blázquez M, Sánchez-Ruano R, Oter-Quintana C, Polentinos-Castro E, Martín-García Á, Otones-Reyes P, González-Beltrán D, Martínez-Marcos M. Family Caregivers' Experiences during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Qualitative Study. Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:970. [PMID: 38786382 PMCID: PMC11121002 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12100970] [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] [Received: 03/25/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic imposed lockdown measures that affected caregiving. Understanding caregivers' context provides reveals their adaptive strategies to continue caring in this situation of uncertainty and isolation. Objective: To better understand the caregiving experiences of caregivers looking after dependent individuals living in the community during the pandemic. Design: Qualitative research, phenomenological approach. Setting: Primary healthcare centers in Madrid region (Spain). Participants: 21 family caregivers. Methods: Purposive and theoretical sampling was used to recruit caregivers across nurses from primary healthcare centers. Participants were interviewed using a semi-structured interview guide to explore the caring experience. Interview transcripts were evaluated using thematic analysis. Results: The findings were categorized into two themes: "Caregivers during lockdown-providing care in a time of adversity" and "Caregiving toward normality". The sub-themes identified were the re-structuring of before-care services and the introduction of new care approaches, managing the dependent person's health problems, looking after oneself, and dealing with adversity. To adapt to the new normal, strategies were put in place designed to recover confidence and trust, reincorporate assistance, and reconnect with others. Conclusions: Care intensified during the pandemic. Caregivers took on the task without assistance, focusing on preventing contagion and protecting themselves to be able to continue giving care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milagros Rico-Blázquez
- Research Unit, Primary Care Assistance Management, Madrid Health Service, 28035 Madrid, Spain;
- Research Network on Chronicity, Primary Care and Health Promotion—RICAPPS-(RICORS), ISCIII, 28035 Madrid, Spain
- Gregorio Marañón Health Research Institute, Madrid Health Service, 28009 Madrid, Spain
- Doctoral Program in Epidemiology and Public Health (Interuniversity), Rey Juan Carlos University, Alcorcón, 28922 Madrid, Spain
- Nursing Department, Faculty of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Podiatry, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Raquel Sánchez-Ruano
- Ciudad de los Periodistas Healthcare Centre, Primary Care Assistance Management, Madrid Health Service, 28034 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Cristina Oter-Quintana
- Nursing Department, Faculty of Medicine, Autonomous University of Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain; (C.O.-Q.); (M.M.-M.)
- Nursing and Healthcare Research Group, IDIPHISA, 28222 Madrid, Spain
| | - Elena Polentinos-Castro
- Research Unit, Primary Care Assistance Management, Madrid Health Service, 28035 Madrid, Spain;
- Research Network on Chronicity, Primary Care and Health Promotion—RICAPPS-(RICORS), ISCIII, 28035 Madrid, Spain
- Gregorio Marañón Health Research Institute, Madrid Health Service, 28009 Madrid, Spain
- Preventive Medicine and Public Health Area, Health Sciences Faculty, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Alcorcón, 28922 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ángel Martín-García
- Nursing Department, Faculty of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Podiatry, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain;
- San Blas Healthcare Centre, Primary Care Assistance Management, Madrid Health Service, Parla, 28980 Madrid, Spain
| | - Pedro Otones-Reyes
- San Andrés Healthcare Centre, Primary Care Assistance Management, Madrid Health Service, 28021 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Damián González-Beltrán
- Barrio del Pilar Healthcare Centre, Primary Care Assistance Management, Madrid Health Service, 28029 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Mercedes Martínez-Marcos
- Nursing Department, Faculty of Medicine, Autonomous University of Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain; (C.O.-Q.); (M.M.-M.)
- Nursing and Healthcare Research Group, IDIPHISA, 28222 Madrid, Spain
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3
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Didcote L, Al-Chalabi A, Goldstein LH. How the coronavirus pandemic affected the lives of people with ALS and their spouses in the UK from spouses' perspectives: a qualitative study. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2024:1-9. [PMID: 38720470 PMCID: PMC11098060 DOI: 10.1080/21678421.2024.2346501] [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: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study set out to investigate, using qualitative methodology, the experiences of spouses of people with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) during the coronavirus pandemic, with particular focus on spouse distress and cognitive and behavioral change in people with ALS (pwALS). METHODS Qualitative semi-structured interviews of nine spouses of pwALS living in England were conducted between 11/09/2020 and 20/04/2021, focusing on spouses' perspectives of how their lives and the lives of pwALS were affected by the pandemic and related lockdowns. Interviews were subject to thematic analysis. RESULTS Four superordinate themes were identified from the spouses' interviews: (i) pandemic behaviors, which encompassed accounts of cautious behavior, relaxation of cautious behavior, and other people's attitudes to shielding the person with ALS; (ii) changes to daily life caused by the pandemic and progression of ALS; (iii) distress in spouses, which included anxiety, depression, and burden; and (iv) ALS-related behavioral impairment. Spouses also provided mixed accounts of telehealth care, pointing out its convenience but some felt that face-to-face appointments were preferable. CONCLUSIONS While many reactions to the pandemic reported by spouses of pwALS may have been similar to those of the general population or other vulnerable groups, interviews indicated the potential for the pandemic to have made more apparent certain aspects of behavioral change in pwALS with which carers may require support. Clinicians need to acknowledge spouses' concerns about the potential limitations of remote clinical consultations, enquire about cognitive and behavioral change, and consider how input should be best provided in such limiting circumstances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lyndsay Didcote
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Ammar Al-Chalabi
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, King’s College London, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, London, UK, and
- Department of Neurology, King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Laura H. Goldstein
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
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4
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Stapley S, Pentecost C, Collins R, Quinn C, Dawson E, Thom JM, Clare L. 'Caring beyond capacity' during the coronavirus pandemic: resilience and family carers of people with dementia from the IDEAL cohort. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CARE AND CARING 2024; 8:246-263. [PMID: 38706535 PMCID: PMC7615928 DOI: 10.1332/239788221x16819328227036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
Family carers of people with dementia have reported increased caring demands during the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of this qualitative study was to explore seven family carers' accounts of dementia caregiving one year into the COVID-19 pandemic in England in relation to carer resilience. Themes described the complex challenges of caring during the pandemic, with interviewees burned out and 'caring beyond capacity' due to unmet needs within the caring role, therein highlighting the limitations of building individual resilience only. Timely practical support for carers is essential to protect their well-being and to ward against the potential consequences of carer burnout.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Linda Clare
- University of Exeter, UK, and NIHR Applied Research Collaboration South-West Peninsula, Exeter, UK
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Shpigelman CN, Araten-Bergman T. Adults With IDD in Supported Accommodation During COVID-19 Lockdown: The Families' Perspective. AMERICAN JOURNAL ON INTELLECTUAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2024; 129:215-230. [PMID: 38657961 DOI: 10.1352/1944-7558-129.3.215] [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: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
The present study aims to understand and describe family caregivers' perceptions and experiences regarding contact and relationships with their adult relatives with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) living in supported accommodation during the COVID-19 lockdown. A qualitative phenomenological approach was applied in which 19 Israeli family caregivers (parents and siblings) were interviewed. Inductive thematic analysis revealed themes at the microsystem level (the resident, the caregiver, and their relationship), and at the mesosystem level (the caregivers' interactions with service providers and other residents' families). The findings highlight the pivotal role of family caregivers in times of uncertainty and the need to develop explicit policies and mechanisms to facilitate family engagement in the residents' lives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmit-Noa Shpigelman
- Carmit-Noa Shpigelman, Department of Community Mental Health, University of Haifa, Israel
| | - Tal Araten-Bergman
- Tal Araten-Bergman, Social Work and Social Policy, School of Allied Health, Human Services and Sport, and Living with Disability Research Centre, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
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Parmar J, L’Heureux T, Lobchuk M, Penner J, Charles L, St. Amant O, Ward-Griffin C, Anderson S. Double-duty caregivers enduring COVID-19 pandemic to endemic: "It's just wearing me down". PLoS One 2024; 19:e0298584. [PMID: 38626216 PMCID: PMC11020535 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0298584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/18/2024] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has considerably strained health care providers and family caregivers. Double-duty caregivers give unpaid care at home and are employed as care providers. This sequential mixed-method study, a survey followed by qualitative interviews, aimed to comprehensively understand the experiences of these Canadian double-duty caregivers amidst the pandemic and the transition to the endemic phase. The multi-section survey included standardized assessments such as the Double-duty Caregiver Scale and the State Anxiety Scale, along with demographic, employment-related, and care work questions. Data analysis employed descriptive and linear regression modeling statistics, and content analysis of the qualitative data. Out of the 415 respondents, the majority were female (92.5%) and married (77.3%), with 54.9% aged 35 to 54 years and 29.2% 55 to 64 years. 68.9% reported mental health decline over the past year, while 60.7% noted physical health deteriorated. 75.9% of participants self-rated their anxiety as moderate to high. The final regression model explained 36.8% of the variance in participants' anxiety levels. Factors contributing to lower anxiety included more personal supports, awareness of limits, younger age, and fewer weekly employment hours. Increased anxiety was linked to poorer self-rated health, and both perceptions and consequences of blurred boundaries. The eighteen interviewees highlighted the stress of managing additional work and home care during the pandemic. They highlighted the difficulty navigating systems and coordinating care. Double-duty caregivers form a significant portion of the healthcare workforce. Despite the spotlight on care and caregiving during the COVID-19 pandemic, the vital contributions and well-being of double-duty caregivers and family caregivers have remained unnoticed. Prioritizing their welfare is crucial for health systems as they make up the largest care workforce, particularly evident during the ongoing healthcare workforce shortage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasneet Parmar
- Department of Family Medicine Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Tanya L’Heureux
- Department of Family Medicine Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Michelle Lobchuk
- Helen Glass College of Nursing, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Jamie Penner
- Helen Glass College of Nursing, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Lesley Charles
- Department of Family Medicine Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Oona St. Amant
- Daphne Cockwell School of Nursing, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Catherine Ward-Griffin
- Arthur Labatt Family School of Nursing, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sharon Anderson
- Department of Family Medicine Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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Soluk Özdemir Y, Paker N, Şişmanoğlu Ataç N, Buğdaycı D, Öneş K. COVID-19-related anxiety and obsession levels in stroke patients and family caregivers and their effects on caregiver burden. NEUROPSYCHIATRIE : KLINIK, DIAGNOSTIK, THERAPIE UND REHABILITATION : ORGAN DER GESELLSCHAFT OSTERREICHISCHER NERVENARZTE UND PSYCHIATER 2024; 38:24-31. [PMID: 38315321 DOI: 10.1007/s40211-024-00490-7] [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: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this study is to describe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-related dysfunctional anxiety and thinking in patients with stroke and caregivers who are family members and their effects on caregiver burden. METHODS This cross-sectional study included 79 stroke patients and their primary caregivers who were hospitalised in a tertiary rehabilitation hospital. Coronavirus Anxiety Scale (CAS) and Obsession with COVID-19 Scale (OCS) were used to assess the levels of COVID-19-related dysfunctional anxiety and obsession of the patients and their caregivers. Caregiver burden was assessed via the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI). RESULTS In the patients with stroke, COVID-19-related anxiety and COVID-19-related obsession rates were 13.9% (n = 11) and 7.6% (n = 6), respectively, while 17.7% (n = 14) of caregiver family members had COVID-19-related anxiety and 11.4% (n = 9) had COVID-19-related obsession. The CAS score of caregivers showed a significant positive correlation with the CAS and OCS scores of patients (p = 0.000, r = 0.423; p = 0.007, r = 0.300, respectively). The OCS score of caregivers showed a significant positive correlation with the OCS scores of the patients (p = 0.000, r = 0.476). The mean ZBI score of caregiver family members was 31.9 ± 13.5. A significant positive correlation was observed between the caregiver's OCS and CAS scores and ZBI scores (p = 0.002, r = -0.349; p = 0.004, r = 0.323, respectively). CONCLUSION In this study, a significant relationship between caregiver burden and COVID-19-related anxiety and obsession in the caregivers of stroke patients was identified. Therefore, caregivers of stroke patients should not be forgotten during pandemics and should receive physical and psychological support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yelda Soluk Özdemir
- Istanbul Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - Nurdan Paker
- Istanbul Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Nazlı Şişmanoğlu Ataç
- Istanbul Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Derya Buğdaycı
- Istanbul Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Kadriye Öneş
- Istanbul Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
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8
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Lloyd SL, Caban-Holt A, Starks TD, Clark JC, Byrd GS. Assessing Gender Differences on the Impact of COVID-19 on the Medical and Social Needs of Dementia Caregivers. JOURNAL OF GERONTOLOGICAL SOCIAL WORK 2024; 67:207-222. [PMID: 37578097 DOI: 10.1080/01634372.2023.2244556] [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: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
Our analyses aimed to assess health status and critical needs of caregivers of persons with dementia (PWD) during the COVID-19 pandemic by gender. Between March 2021 and August 2021, respondents (n = 267) were recruited from an Alzheimer's disease (AD) listserv at an US academic center to complete a questionnaire to capture sociodemographic data, caregiving characteristics, health status, status of COVID-19 testing, and COVID-19 preventative practices during the pandemic. Women caregivers reported needing assistance with caregiving responsibilities, whereas men caregivers needed assistance with health and social resources. More men caregivers also reported psychological distress compared to women caregivers. Our findings indicated significant differences in the resources needed and psychological distress of women and men who cared for PWD during the COVID-19 pandemic. The development of recommendations and resources with both men and women caregivers in mind may be beneficial to support informal caregivers during emergency situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shawnta L Lloyd
- Maya Angelou Center for Health Equity, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Allison Caban-Holt
- Maya Angelou Center for Health Equity, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Takiyah D Starks
- Maya Angelou Center for Health Equity, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jarrel C Clark
- Maya Angelou Center for Health Equity, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Goldie S Byrd
- Maya Angelou Center for Health Equity, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston Salem, North Carolina, USA
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9
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Tur-Sinai A, Bentur N, Fabbietti P, Lamura G. Comparing the cross-national impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on care received by community-dwelling older adults in 2020 and 2021: restoring formal home care versus polarizing informal care? Eur J Ageing 2024; 21:6. [PMID: 38265532 PMCID: PMC10808427 DOI: 10.1007/s10433-024-00800-6] [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: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the supply of formal and informal home care to older adults in many countries across the world. This study aims to compare the initial picture of how the supply of formal and informal home care to older adults in European countries and Israel changed during the first pandemic year (from mid-2020 to mid-2021) and to examine the changes that these countries made in the provision of adequate care to older adults. Using data from the two COVID-19 waves of SHARE, we show that the provision of formal home care services improved in the investigated period, as in 2021 the share of those who reported difficulties in receiving formal home care dropped significantly compared to the previous year. By contrast, informal care provision patterns experienced a growing polarization, with some countries continuing in reporting a strong support from this source, and others moving towards a remarkable reduction in the help coming from informal networks. These findings can serve as a basis for the development of evidence-based recommendations that can inform future care policies at the national level and to implement more sustainable models for older adults living in the community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aviad Tur-Sinai
- Department of Health Systems Management, The Max Stern Yezreel Valley College, 1930600 , Yezreel Valley, Israel
- School of Nursing, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, 14642-8404, USA
| | - Netta Bentur
- The Stanley Steyer School of Health Professions, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Paolo Fabbietti
- INRCA IRCCS-National Institute of Health and Science on Ageing, Unit of Geriatric Pharmacoepidemiology, 60124, Ancona, Italy.
| | - Giovanni Lamura
- INRCA IRCCS-National Institute of Health and Science on Ageing, Centre for Socio-Economic Research on Ageing, 60124, Ancona, Italy
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Chiang M, Markoulakis R, Levitt A. Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on perceived changes in responsibilities for adult caregivers who support children and youth in Ontario, Canada. BJPsych Open 2024; 10:e35. [PMID: 38265051 PMCID: PMC10897706 DOI: 10.1192/bjo.2023.632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has created long-lasting changes in caregiving responsibilities, including but not limited to increased demands, loss of support, worsening mental and physical health, and increased financial worries. There is currently limited evidence regarding factors associated with perceived changes in caregiving responsibilities. AIMS This observational study aimed to investigate factors (sociodemographic characteristics of caregivers and mental health and/or addiction concerns of the caregiver and their youth) that predict perceived negative changes in caregiving responsibilities among adult caregivers (aged 18+ years) of children and youth (aged 0-25 years) in Ontario, Canada, during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHOD Data were collected from 1381 caregivers of children and youth between January and March of 2022 through a representative cross-sectional survey completed online. Logistic regression was conducted to determine predictors contributing to perceived negative changes in caregiving responsibilities. RESULTS Among the sociodemographic characteristics, only ethnicity significantly predicted outcome. Higher caregiver strain (odds ratio [OR] = 10.567, 95% CI = 6.614-16.882, P < 0.001), worsened personal mental health (OR = 1.945, 95% CI = 1.474-2.567, P < 0.001), a greater number of children/youth cared for per caregiver (OR = 1.368, 95% CI = 1.180-1.587, P < 0.001), dissatisfaction with the availability of social supports (OR = 1.768, 95% CI = 1.297-2.409, P < 0.001) and negative changes in mental well-being in at least one child/youth (OR = 2.277, 95% CI = 1.660-3.123, P < 0.001) predicted negative changes in caregiving responsibilities. CONCLUSION These results support further exploration of the implications of negative perceptions of caregiving responsibilities and what processes might be implemented to improve these perceptions and the outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeline Chiang
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; and College of Science, University of Notre Dame, South Bend, Indiana, USA
| | - Roula Markoulakis
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; and Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Anthony Levitt
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Family Navigation Project, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; and Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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11
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Cham CQ, Ibrahim N, Kalaman CR, Ho MC, Visvalingam U, Ahmad Shahabuddin F, Abd Rahman FN, Halim MRTA, Harbajan Singh MK, Azhar FL, Yahya AN, Roslan S, Siau CS. Factors associated with depression, anxiety, and satisfaction with life among Malaysian parental caregivers of adolescent psychiatric patients: A cross-sectional study. Glob Ment Health (Camb) 2024; 11:e12. [PMID: 38390253 PMCID: PMC10882176 DOI: 10.1017/gmh.2024.5] [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: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Depression and anxiety are prevalent mental health issues worldwide, especially among parental caregivers. By expanding the family stress model, this cross-sectional study investigated the relevant factors associated with depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and satisfaction with life among Malaysian parental caregivers of adolescent psychiatric patients. Data were collected through questionnaires (N = 207) across five major public hospitals through convenience sampling. Participants answered questionnaires measuring financial strain, caregiver burden, relationship quality, belief in mental illness, perceived COVID-19 stress, satisfaction with health services, depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms and life satisfaction. Findings revealed that relationship quality among spouses, COVID-19 stress and caregiver burden were significantly correlated with anxiety symptoms, depressive symptoms and satisfaction with life. The multiple regression model also suggested that depressive symptoms (β = .613, p < .001), anxiety symptoms (β= .657, p < .001) and relationship quality among spouses (β = .264, p < .001) were the most influential predictors of anxiety symptoms, depressive symptoms and satisfaction with life respectively. By addressing the mental health needs of parental caregivers, this study can contribute to improving the overall quality of care and support provided to adolescent patients and their caregivers in Malaysia and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Choy Qing Cham
- Center for Healthy Ageing and Wellness (H-CARE), Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Norhayati Ibrahim
- Center for Healthy Ageing and Wellness (H-CARE), Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Institute of Islam Hadhari, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, Malaysia
| | - Clarisse Roswini Kalaman
- Center for Healthy Ageing and Wellness (H-CARE), Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Meng Chuan Ho
- Centre for Pre-U Studies, UCSI University (Springhill Campus), Port Dickson, Malaysia
| | - Uma Visvalingam
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Hospital Sungai Buloh, Sungai Buloh, Malaysia
| | | | - Fairuz Nazri Abd Rahman
- Psychiatry Department, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Radzi Tarmizi A Halim
- Faculty of Business, Economics and Social Development, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Nerus, Malaysia
| | | | - Fatin Liyana Azhar
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Amira Najiha Yahya
- Department of Educational Psychology and Counselling, Faculty of Education, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Samsilah Roslan
- Department of Foundation of Education, Faculty of Educational Studies, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia
| | - Ching Sin Siau
- Center for Community Health Studies (ReaCH), Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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12
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Romero DE, Groisman D, Maia LR. [Support for family caregivers of older people during the COVID-19 pandemic]. CAD SAUDE PUBLICA 2023; 39:e00072423. [PMID: 38126418 PMCID: PMC10727031 DOI: 10.1590/0102-311xpt072423] [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: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aims to identify the type of support received by family caregivers of older people during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the associated socioeconomic health and care-related factors. Data from CUIDA-COVID study, an online questionnaire conducted from august to november 2020 (n = 4,820) were used. Three multiple models were built, with the following outcome: contracted support, family support, and lack of support. Independent variables related to socioeconomic, health, and care aspects were converted into dichotomous categories. Family support was the most common (48.6%), followed by lack of support (38.3%), and contracted support (13.1%). No significant associations were observed between race/skin color, poverty status, chronic back pain and negative mood with any type of support. Factors strongly associated (adjustedPR > 2.0) with contracted support were: the non-sharp decrease in income during the pandemic; non-dedication to full-time care; self-rated good/excellent health; and the high degree of dependence of the older individual. For family support, the main associations were: the non-marked increase in the effort to care during the pandemic, the non-dedication to full-time care and the sharp decrease in income during the pandemic. The characteristics associated with lack of support were: living with the older person; dedication to full-time care; living in households with 1 or 2 people; and report a sharp increase in effort to care during the pandemic. Overall, caregivers with contracted support had the best socioeconomic, care and health conditions. Lack of support was related to worse health and care conditions, while family support was related to worse socioeconomic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dalia Elena Romero
- Instituto de Comunicação e Informação Científica e Tecnológica em Saúde, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
| | - Daniel Groisman
- Escola Politécnica de Saúde Joaquim Venâncio, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
| | - Leo Ramos Maia
- Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública Sergio Arouca, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
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Leggett AN, Robinson-Lane SG, Oxford G, Leonard N, Carmichael AG, Baker E, Paratore J, Blok AC, Prescott HC, Iwashyna TJ, Gonzalez R. Barriers to and Facilitators of Family Caregiving of Patients With COVID-19 Early in the Pandemic. Am J Crit Care 2023; 32:431-439. [PMID: 37907378 DOI: 10.4037/ajcc2023364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In 2020, many family members were thrust into the role of caregiving for a relative with COVID-19 with little preparation, training, or understanding of the disease and its symptoms. OBJECTIVES To explore the barriers to and facilitators of caregiving experienced by family caregivers of patients with COVID-19 who had been in intensive care in the pandemic's earliest months. METHODS In-depth qualitative interviews were conducted by web conference with 16 adults recovering at home after intubation for COVID-19 in an intensive care unit at a major academic medical center and their primary caregivers from March to August 2020 (N = 32). Thematic qualitative analysis was done using Watkins' rigorous and accelerated data reduction technique with MAXQDA software. RESULTS Seven themes emerged regarding factors that facilitated or posed barriers to care: other health conditions that increased complexity of care, interactions and experiences in the health care system, COVID-19's proliferation into other areas of life, the psychological well-being of the patient-caregiver dyad, experience of support from the dyad's network, the role of caregiving in the dyad, and contextual circumstances of the dyad. The themes often included both barriers and facilitators, depending on the experience of the dyad (eg, feeling encouraged vs fatigued by their support network). CONCLUSIONS Understanding how patients with COVID-19 and their caregivers experience illness management across the recovery journey can help clarify the COVID-19 care-giving process and identify intervention targets to improve overall health and well-being of the care dyad.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda N Leggett
- Amanda N. Leggett is an assistant professor in the Institute of Gerontology at Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, and an adjunct assistant professor, Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Michigan Ann Arbor
| | - Sheria G Robinson-Lane
- Sheria G. Robinson-Lane is an assistant professor, Department of Systems, Populations, and Leadership, School of Nursing, University of Michigan Ann Arbor
| | - Grace Oxford
- Grace Oxford is a research assistant, Biosocial Methods Collaborative, University of Michigan Ann Arbor
| | - Natalie Leonard
- Natalie Leonard is a research technician, Research Center for Group Dynamics, Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan Ann Arbor
| | - Alicia G Carmichael
- Alicia G. Carmichael is a research process manager, Research Center for Group Dynamics, Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan Ann Arbor
| | - Elaina Baker
- Elaina Baker is a research assistant, Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Michigan Ann Arbor
| | - Janeann Paratore
- Janeann Paratore is a research assistant, Biosocial Methods Collaborative, University of Michigan Ann Arbor
| | - Amanda C Blok
- Amanda C. Blok is a research assistant professor, Department of Systems, Populations and Leadership, School of Nursing, University of Michigan and a research health scientist, VA Center for Clinical Management Research, Ann Arbor VA Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Hallie C Prescott
- Hallie C. Prescott is an associate professor, Pulmonary and Critical Care, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Michigan and a research investigator, VA Center for Clinical Management Research, Ann Arbor VA Healthcare System
| | - Theodore J Iwashyna
- Theodore J. Iwashyna is the Bloomberg Distinguished Professor of Social Science and Justice in Medicine and professor of medicine, Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Richard Gonzalez
- Richard Gonzalez is the Amos N. Tversky Professor, Psychology and Statistics and director, Research Center for Group Dynamics, University of Michigan
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Qin VM, Visaria A, Malhotra R. Impact of a COVID-19-Related Lockdown on the Experience of Informal Caregiving in Singapore. Gerontology 2023; 70:102-114. [PMID: 37866359 PMCID: PMC10794967 DOI: 10.1159/000534723] [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: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Lockdowns, while limiting COVID-19 transmission, can affect provision of care by informal caregivers and their caregiving experience. We assessed, among informal caregivers in Singapore, (a) the perceived impact of a 2-month (April to May 2020) nationwide lockdown on their care provision, (b) correlates of different perceptions of the impact of the lockdown on care provision, and (c) association of different perceptions of the impact with negative and positive experiences of caregiving. METHODS In the August 2020 wave of the Singapore Life Panel (SLP; nationally representative, longitudinal monthly survey of Singapore citizens and permanent residents aged 50-70 years at baseline), 1,094 participants identified as informal caregivers reported whether their care provision became easier, remained the same, or became harder during the lockdown, compared to before the lockdown. We used multinomial logistic regression to assess the association of caregiver, care recipient, and caregiving context characteristics with their perceptions. Linear regression models examined the association of their perceptions with negative and positive experience domains of the modified Caregiver Reaction Assessment. RESULTS Just over one-third (36.1%) of the informal caregivers reported that their care provision became harder during the lockdown compared to before the lockdown. However, nearly one-fifth (18.0%) said that it became easier, and the rest (45.9%) said that it remained the same. Care provision was more likely to be perceived as having become harder among caregivers who were male, of Chinese ethnicity, in worse health, whose care recipients had functional limitations, who did not have caregiving support from cohabiting family members before the lockdown, and who had caregiving support from non-cohabiting family members before the lockdown. The perception that care provision became easier was less likely among caregivers who were of higher age, were unemployed, were socially isolated, and whose care recipients had functional limitations. Caregivers who perceived that care provision became harder during the lockdown were worse-off in negative experiences of caregiving. CONCLUSION A nationwide lockdown did not make care provision harder for all informal caregivers. However, informal caregivers for whom it did were more likely to have greater negative experiences of caregiving. The heterogeneity of the impact of lockdowns and the possibility of offering flexibility to non-cohabiting family members who support caregiving should be important considerations when planning for such disruptions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vicky Mengqi Qin
- Centre for Research on Successful Ageing (ROSA), Singapore Management University, Singapore, Singapore
- Centre for Ageing Research and Education (CARE), Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Abhijit Visaria
- Centre for Ageing Research and Education (CARE), Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Rahul Malhotra
- Centre for Ageing Research and Education (CARE), Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
- Health Services and Systems Research (HSSR), Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
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Hetzel C, Bühne D, Michel W, Holzer M, Froböse I. [More free time for me? Effects of a group intervention for informal caregivers based on routine data from the SVLFG long-term care insurance]. Z Gerontol Geriatr 2023; 56:477-483. [PMID: 35852589 DOI: 10.1007/s00391-022-02086-8] [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] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The intervention is a multiday health program of the Social Insurance for Agriculture, Forestry and Horticulture (SVLFG) for informal caregivers. AIM OF THE WORK Does the intervention increase the use of outside help to gain free time for self-care? MATERIAL AND METHODS Using a quasi-experimental within-design, we analyze annual benefit data from the SVLFG long-term care insurance for the cluster sample Bavaria from 2017 to 2020 with intervention in 2018/2019. Using fixed effects panel regressions, we determine the effect heterogeneity for care relationship, duration of care and degree of care, adjusting for period effects (intervention and comparison group: 88 and 6045 persons with 207 and 16,091 observations, respectively). RESULT After the intervention, the use of services for outside help tends to be higher than before. The effect is significantly more pronounced with increasing care level, care within the partnership and shorter care duration. With care within the partnership, start of care before 1 year and care level 4/5, more outside help is used afterwards for 1160 € (p < 0.001) than before. DISCUSSION Design and statistical method would allow a causal conclusion; however, in view of the limitations, in particular the small number of cases in the intervention group and the only limited characteristics available to control for time-dynamic heterogeneity, caution is advisable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Hetzel
- Institut für Qualitätssicherung in Prävention und Rehabilitation iqpr GmbH, Deutsche Sporthochschule Köln, Eupener Str. 70, 50933, Köln, Deutschland.
| | - David Bühne
- Institut für Qualitätssicherung in Prävention und Rehabilitation iqpr GmbH, Deutsche Sporthochschule Köln, Eupener Str. 70, 50933, Köln, Deutschland
| | - Wolfgang Michel
- Sozialversicherung für Landwirtschaft, Forsten und Gartenbau, Weißensteinstraße 70-72, 34131, Kassel, Deutschland
| | - Michael Holzer
- Sozialversicherung für Landwirtschaft, Forsten und Gartenbau, Weißensteinstraße 70-72, 34131, Kassel, Deutschland
| | - Ingo Froböse
- Institut für Bewegungstherapie und bewegungsorientierte Prävention und Rehabilitation, Deutsche Sporthochschule Köln, Am Sportpark Müngersdorf 6, 50933, Köln, Deutschland
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Rashid MAUH, Muneeb SA, Manzoor MM, Fischer F. Religious coping, care burden and psychological distress among informal caregivers of COVID-19 patients: Results of a cross-sectional survey in Pakistan. Int J Soc Psychiatry 2023; 69:1369-1376. [PMID: 36951388 PMCID: PMC10037130 DOI: 10.1177/00207640231162277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a complex relationship between health and religiosity. People may use religion to cope with difficulties and uncertainties in their life - such as induced by the COVID-19 pandemic. AIMS The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between religious coping, care burden and psychological distress among caregivers during COVID-19 in Pakistan. METHOD We conducted a cross-sectional survey in Pakistan. We used the Religious Coping Scale (RCOPE), Care Burden Scale (CB), and Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21) to measure psychological stress from 303 caregivers. Data were analyzed using a hierarchical linear regression model for each of the three outcome variables, which are depression, anxiety, and stress. This analysis allows to investigate whether adding variables significantly improves a model's ability to predict the criterion variable. RESULTS The findings reveal that emotional care burden, physical care burden, negative religious coping, and social care burden explain a significant amount of the variance of three components of psychological distress among caregivers. CONCLUSIONS Health experts, psychologists, and policymakers can make better strategies to combat pandemics like COVID-19 by incorporating religious coping methods.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Florian Fischer
- Institute of Public Health, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Bavarian Research Center for Digital Health and Social Care, Kempten University of Applied Sciences, Kempten, Germany
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Damian AC, Mihăilescu AI, Anghele C, Ciobanu CA, Petrescu C, Riga S, Dionisie V, Ciobanu AM. Quality of Life Predictors in a Group of Informal Caregivers during the COVID-19 Pandemic. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 59:1486. [PMID: 37629776 PMCID: PMC10456842 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59081486] [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: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The informal caregiver's contribution to the wellbeing of dementia patients is critical since these individuals become dependent on others for all daily activities. Our goal was to investigate the dynamics of anxiety, depression, burnout, sleep, and their influence on quality of life over a 6-month period in the context of pandemic distress in a sample of informal caregivers of Alzheimer's patients. Materials and Methods: For this prospective, longitudinal study, we conducted a 6-month telephonic survey between 2021 and 2022, administering a series of questionnaires at three timepoints (baseline, 3 months and 6 months) to a group of informal caregivers of patients suffering from dementia due to Alzheimer's disease. Results: A total of 110 caregivers were included at baseline, out of which 96 continued to the second stage and 78 followed through to the last stage. The majority of the participants were female (most likely the patients' daughters), around 55 years old, living in urban areas, married, with children, having a high school degree or a higher education degree, and working in jobs that required physical presence; in the best-case scenario, they were sharing their responsibilities with another two-three caregivers. More than half of the 110 participants (50.9%) reported mild to moderate anxiety at baseline, and 27.3% reported significant anxiety, with no changes between the three timepoints, F(2, 154) = 0.551, p = 0.57; 25% reported moderate-severe depression at the start, with no changes between the three timepoints, F(2, 154) = 2.738, p = 0.068; and many reported a decrease in quality of life, poor quality of sleep, and decreased fear of COVID infection. Cynicism, professional effectiveness, anxiety, depression, and sleep quality explained up to 87.8% of the variance in quality of life. Conclusions: Caregivers' decreased quality of life during the pandemic was explained by their levels of burnout, anxiety, and depression throughout the 6-month period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Claudia Damian
- Neuroscience Department, Discipline of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania; (A.C.D.); (C.P.); (A.M.C.)
- Department of Psychiatry, ‘Prof. Dr. Alexandru Obregia’ Clinical Hospital of Psychiatry, 041914 Bucharest, Romania; (A.I.M.); (V.D.)
| | - Alexandra Ioana Mihăilescu
- Department of Psychiatry, ‘Prof. Dr. Alexandru Obregia’ Clinical Hospital of Psychiatry, 041914 Bucharest, Romania; (A.I.M.); (V.D.)
- Department of Medical Psychology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila”, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Cristina Anghele
- Department of Psychiatry, ‘Prof. Dr. Alexandru Obregia’ Clinical Hospital of Psychiatry, 041914 Bucharest, Romania; (A.I.M.); (V.D.)
| | | | - Cristian Petrescu
- Neuroscience Department, Discipline of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania; (A.C.D.); (C.P.); (A.M.C.)
- Department of Psychiatry, ‘Prof. Dr. Alexandru Obregia’ Clinical Hospital of Psychiatry, 041914 Bucharest, Romania; (A.I.M.); (V.D.)
| | - Sorin Riga
- Department of Stress Research and Prophylaxis, ‘Prof. Dr. Alexandru Obregia’ Clinical Hospital of Psychiatry, 041914 Bucharest, Romania;
- Romanian Academy of Medical Sciences, 927180 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Vlad Dionisie
- Department of Psychiatry, ‘Prof. Dr. Alexandru Obregia’ Clinical Hospital of Psychiatry, 041914 Bucharest, Romania; (A.I.M.); (V.D.)
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Adela Magdalena Ciobanu
- Neuroscience Department, Discipline of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania; (A.C.D.); (C.P.); (A.M.C.)
- Department of Psychiatry, ‘Prof. Dr. Alexandru Obregia’ Clinical Hospital of Psychiatry, 041914 Bucharest, Romania; (A.I.M.); (V.D.)
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Möhring K, Zinn S, Ehrlich U. Family care during the first COVID-19 lockdown in Germany: longitudinal evidence on consequences for the well-being of caregivers. Eur J Ageing 2023; 20:15. [PMID: 37166574 PMCID: PMC10173928 DOI: 10.1007/s10433-023-00761-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023] Open
Abstract
We examine changes in the well-being of family caregivers during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany, using data from the German Socio-Economic Panel (SOEP) and the SOEP-CoV study. The COVID-19 pandemic posed an extraordinary challenge for family caregivers, as care recipients are a high-risk group requiring special protection, and professional care services were severely cut back. The specific situation of the COVID-19 pandemic allows us to re-examine the caregiver stress process model. Using first difference regression models, we analyse changes in general life satisfaction and depressive symptoms (PHQ-4 score) among family caregivers between 2019 and spring 2020, differentiating by care intensity and duration of the care episode. Caregivers show similar changes in well-being as non-caregivers: a simultaneous increase in depressive symptoms and life satisfaction between 2019 and 2020. However, our results reveal heterogeneity within the group of family caregivers as we find differences according to caregiving dynamics and intensity. Among the group of continuing caregivers, high-intensity caregivers experience a larger increase in life satisfaction, and low-intensity caregivers a smaller increase in life satisfaction, compared to non-caregivers. Our results therefore provide some support for the role enhancement hypothesis for continuing caregivers with high time commitment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katja Möhring
- Faculty of Social Sciences, Economics and Business Administration, University of Bamberg, Bamberg, Germany.
- Mannheim Centre for European Social Research (MZES), University of Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany.
| | - Sabine Zinn
- Socio-Economic Panel (SOEP), German Institute for Economic Research (DIW Berlin), Berlin, Germany
- Departement of Social Sciences, Humboldt University, Berlin, Germany
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Kuhlmey A, Budnick A. [Informal caregivers in Germany: achieving work-life balance]. Bundesgesundheitsblatt Gesundheitsforschung Gesundheitsschutz 2023; 66:550-556. [PMID: 37069275 PMCID: PMC10109225 DOI: 10.1007/s00103-023-03687-3] [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: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023]
Abstract
Informal caregivers are the main pillar of care provision in Germany. Almost a quarter of adults know a person who needs assistance or care. Caring for a person needing assistance is becoming an everyday task for more and more people. These demands must often be balanced with the requirements of work and/or care of underage children. Not only in this sandwich position informal caregivers neglect their own lives and endanger their health. The narrative review focuses on the challenges of reconciling care at home and work. In addition, the importance of informal caregiving as a relevant public health topic is discussed. A spotlight is placed on children in need of care and the particular demands of their caring parents. Current recommendations for a better reconciliation of care and work as well as for the recognition of relatives' valuable caregiving work provide an outlook on solution strategies that come from science and should be addressed by policymakers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adelheid Kuhlmey
- Institut für Medizinische Soziologie und Rehabilitationswissenschaft, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Virchowweg 22, 10117, Berlin, Deutschland.
| | - Andrea Budnick
- Institut für Medizinische Soziologie und Rehabilitationswissenschaft, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Virchowweg 22, 10117, Berlin, Deutschland
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Viny M, Trevino AY, Bouldin ED, Kalvesmaki A, Roghani A, Pugh MJ. Caregiver burden and COVID-19: How epilepsy caregivers experienced the pandemic. Epilepsy Behav 2023; 141:109151. [PMID: 36907084 PMCID: PMC9968611 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2023.109151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Caregivers of adults with epilepsy face unique challenges, yet most studies focus on the impact of epilepsy on those living with the condition, rather than the impact on caregivers. Our objective was to evaluate whether caregivers' pandemic-related changes and experiences - namely those related to their health, healthcare access, and well-being - were associated with their caregiving burden. METHODS Caregivers of adults with epilepsy (n = 261) were recruited through Qualtrics Panels to participate in an online survey examining health, well-being, COVID-19 experiences, and caregiver burden from October-December, 2020. The burden was measured using the Zarit 12-item measure; the clinically significant burden was defined as a score greater than 16. Adjustments were made to account for burden scores related to exposures of interest. Chi-square tests, t-tests, and generalized linear regression models were used to compare cross-sectional associations between COVID-19 experiences and burden. RESULTS Over half (57.9%) of caregivers had clinically significant caregiver burden. Most reported increased anxiety (65%), stress (64%), and sense of social isolation (58%) during the pandemic. Many caregivers reported that their sense of control over their life (44%) and their use of healthcare changed (88%) due to COVID-19. In adjusted models, caregivers who reported increased anger, increased anxiety, decreased sense of control, or changes in healthcare utilization during COVID-19 had about twice the odds of having clinically significant caregiver burden compared to caregivers who did not report changes. DISCUSSION Changes experienced by caregivers of adults with epilepsy during the pandemic were strongly associated with clinically significant levels of caregiver burden. These findings demonstrate the link between mass-level events, such as a pandemic, the burden caregivers of adults with epilepsy may carry, and subsequent psychological outcomes. CONCLUSION Caregivers of adults with epilepsy may need support to reduce the negative impact of COVID-19-related experiences and should be connected to healthcare and resources that can help alleviate their burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikayla Viny
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, United States.
| | - Amira Y Trevino
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, United States; Department of Educational Psychology, University of Utah College of Education, Salt Lake City, UT, United States.
| | - Erin D Bouldin
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, United States.
| | - Andrea Kalvesmaki
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, United States; Informatics, Decision-Enhancement, and Analytic Sciences Center, Veterans Affairs Salt Lake City Health Care System, Salt Lake City, UT, United States.
| | - Ali Roghani
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, United States.
| | - Mary Jo Pugh
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, United States; Informatics, Decision-Enhancement, and Analytic Sciences Center, Veterans Affairs Salt Lake City Health Care System, Salt Lake City, UT, United States.
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Damian AC, Ciobanu AM, Anghele C, Papacocea IR, Manea MC, Iliuță FP, Ciobanu CA, Papacocea Ș. Caregiving for Dementia Patients during the Coronavirus Pandemic. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12072616. [PMID: 37048700 PMCID: PMC10095033 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12072616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus pandemic has had a global impact on both mental and physical health. Caregiving has become more difficult during this time due to the quick spread of this respiratory disease, dread of the unknown, congested hospitals, and many restrictions, particularly for people with multiple comorbidities. We aimed to assess the impact of this pandemic on a group of caregivers of patients with dementia and their needs during this time. The study’s findings indicate that females assumed the role of the caregiver more often than men (88.5% of the participants) and scored lower on the life quality scale. The most often issue encountered during the pandemic was difficulty in accessing health care facilities (36%). Participants with a higher education level scored better in the physical (24.67, p = 0.01 and 24.48, p = 0.01) and mental health (20.67, p = 0.002; 19,82, p = 0.008) domains of the life quality test. The fear of COVID questionnaire showed a low level of concern in the category of participants with a high education level. Overall, this pandemic emphasizes the importance of social interaction and the possibilities to improve health care services through telemedicine. Caregivers could benefit from socialization and support programs as well as the early detection of affective disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Claudia Damian
- Neuroscience Department, Discipline of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Psychiatry, “Prof. Dr. Alexandru Obregia” Clinical Hospital of Psychiatry, 041914 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Adela Magdalena Ciobanu
- Neuroscience Department, Discipline of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Psychiatry, “Prof. Dr. Alexandru Obregia” Clinical Hospital of Psychiatry, 041914 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Cristina Anghele
- Department of Psychiatry, “Prof. Dr. Alexandru Obregia” Clinical Hospital of Psychiatry, 041914 Bucharest, Romania
- Correspondence: (C.A.); (C.A.C.)
| | - Ioana Raluca Papacocea
- Discipline of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mihnea Costin Manea
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Floris Petru Iliuță
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Constantin Alexandru Ciobanu
- Faculty of Medicine, “Titu Maiorescu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 040441 Bucharest, Romania
- Correspondence: (C.A.); (C.A.C.)
| | - Șerban Papacocea
- Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
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Kim Y, Shin JM, Yoo SH, Keam B. Challenges in Care for Non-COVID-19 Patients with Severe Chronic Illnesses during COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Study of Healthcare Providers Working around Acute Care Hospitals in South Korea. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:healthcare11040611. [PMID: 36833145 PMCID: PMC9957023 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11040611] [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: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 epidemic has afflicted patients with severe chronic illnesses who need continuous care between home and hospitals. This qualitative study examines the experiences and challenges of healthcare providers around acute care hospitals who have cared for patients with severe chronic illness in non-COVID-19 situations during the pandemic. METHODS Eight healthcare providers, who work in various healthcare settings around acute care hospitals and frequently care for non-COVID-19 patients with severe chronic illnesses, were recruited using purposive sampling from September to October 2021 in South Korea. The interviews were subjected to thematic analysis. RESULTS Four overarching themes were identified: (1) deterioration in the quality of care at various settings; (2) new emerging systemic problems; (3) healthcare providers holding on but reaching their limit; and (4) a decline in the quality of life of patients at the end of their lives, and their caregivers. CONCLUSION Healthcare providers of non-COVID-19 patients with severe chronic illnesses reported that the quality of care was declining due to the structural problems of the healthcare system and policies centered solely on the prevention and control of COVID-19. Systematic solutions are needed for appropriate and seamless care for non-infected patients with severe chronic illness in the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yejin Kim
- Center for Palliative Care and Clinical Ethics, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong Mi Shin
- Public Healthcare Center, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Shin Hye Yoo
- Center for Palliative Care and Clinical Ethics, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
- Correspondence: (S.H.Y.); (B.K.); Tel.: +82-2-2072-1589 (S.H.Y.); +82-2-2072-7215 (B.K.); Fax: +82-2-2072-0754 (S.H.Y.); +82-2-2072-7379 (B.K.)
| | - Bhumsuk Keam
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
- Correspondence: (S.H.Y.); (B.K.); Tel.: +82-2-2072-1589 (S.H.Y.); +82-2-2072-7215 (B.K.); Fax: +82-2-2072-0754 (S.H.Y.); +82-2-2072-7379 (B.K.)
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Living with dementia during the COVID-19 pandemic: insights into identity from the IDEAL cohort. AGEING & SOCIETY 2023. [DOI: 10.1017/s0144686x22001350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
The continuing COVID-19 pandemic and social restrictions have impacted on the cognitive decline and mental health of people with dementia. Social isolation and loss of activities due to social restrictions may also have implications as to sense of identity for people with dementia. As part of the INCLUDE (Identifying and Mitigating the Individual and Dyadic Impact of COVID-19 and Life Under Physical Distancing on People with Dementia and Carers) component of the IDEAL (Improving the Experience of Dementia and Enhancing Active Life) cohort study, the overall aim of this subtle realist qualitative study was to explore the perspectives of people with dementia on living through the COVID-19 pandemic within the context of the ‘post-vaccine’ period and the national lockdowns in England and Wales; and to determine perceived challenges to and facilitators of ‘living well’ during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond as restrictions were eased. In addition, the study findings are considered in relation to understandings of identity in dementia which the broader accounts of living through the pandemic have highlighted. Seven people with mild-to-moderate dementia were interviewed and themes were derived using framework analysis. Themes suggest interviewees' stoic acceptance of the pandemic and social restrictions but also fear of decline related to the temporality of their condition as well as loss of self-confidence to re-engage with the world. Interviewees managed threats to social identity by striving to maintain social and emotional connections, where the importance of a shared, social identity, particularly for people with young-onset dementia, was also apparent. Unlike in previous studies during the pandemic, the relevance of occupation for identity was observed, where maintaining previous or new activities or occupations was important to facilitate identity as well as to keep a sense of purpose. Therefore, as well as supporting people with dementia as the pandemic eases, future research into occupation and identity in dementia is of potential value.
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Wiegelmann H, Hess M, Domhoff D, Heinze F, Schmidt A, Seibert K, Stolle C, Preuß B, Rothgang H, Wolf-Ostermann K. [The situation of informal caregivers of working age in the COVID-19 pandemic-results of an online survey in Germany]. Bundesgesundheitsblatt Gesundheitsforschung Gesundheitsschutz 2023; 66:265-274. [PMID: 36749365 PMCID: PMC9903257 DOI: 10.1007/s00103-023-03659-7] [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: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic have posed major challenges to different groups. One of these are informal caregivers. This study investigates the changes the pandemic has caused for informal caregivers and the extent to which quality of life and burden of care have changed for specific subgroups. METHODS Data for this cross-sectional study was gathered in the summer of 2020 in a convenient sample of informal caregivers (< 67 years of age, N = 1143). In addition to sociodemographic data, information on the care situation, compatibility of care and work, as well as stress and quality of life was collected in an online survey. The analysis of care situations and compatibility of care and work is done descriptively. Logistic regression models are used for a subgroup analysis of quality of life and care burden. RESULTS The care situation has changed for 54.7% of participants and has become more time consuming. For 70.8% of respondents, the COVID-19 pandemic has made it even more difficult to balance care-giving and work. However, most respondents were satisfied with their employers' pandemic management (65.9%). A sharp decline in the quality of life and an increase in the burden of care for informal caregivers was ascertained. Both developments are stronger for young and female caregivers and for those caring for people with a greater need of support. DISCUSSION The results indicate that living situations worsened for a substantial proportion of informal caregivers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Policymakers should recognize additional challenges that informal caregivers have faced since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and how they vary by subgroups. It is important to include home-based informal care as well as other care settings in future pandemic concepts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henrik Wiegelmann
- Institut für Public Health und Pflegeforschung, Abteilung Pflegewissenschaftliche Versorgungsforschung, Universität Bremen, Grazer Straße 4, 28359, Bremen, Deutschland.
| | - Moritz Hess
- Hochschule Niederrhein, Niederrhein, Deutschland
| | - Dominik Domhoff
- Institut für Public Health und Pflegeforschung, Abteilung Pflegewissenschaftliche Versorgungsforschung, Universität Bremen, Grazer Straße 4, 28359 Bremen, Deutschland
| | - Franziska Heinze
- SOCIUM Forschungszentrum Ungleichheit und Sozialpolitik, Universität Bremen, Bremen, Deutschland
| | - Annika Schmidt
- Institut für Public Health und Pflegeforschung, Abteilung Pflegewissenschaftliche Versorgungsforschung, Universität Bremen, Grazer Straße 4, 28359 Bremen, Deutschland ,Zentrum für Pflegeforschung und Beratung, Hochschule Bremen, Bremen, Deutschland
| | - Kathrin Seibert
- Institut für Public Health und Pflegeforschung, Abteilung Pflegewissenschaftliche Versorgungsforschung, Universität Bremen, Grazer Straße 4, 28359 Bremen, Deutschland
| | - Claudia Stolle
- Zentrum für Pflegeforschung und Beratung, Hochschule Bremen, Bremen, Deutschland
| | - Benedikt Preuß
- SOCIUM Forschungszentrum Ungleichheit und Sozialpolitik, Universität Bremen, Bremen, Deutschland
| | - Heinz Rothgang
- SOCIUM Forschungszentrum Ungleichheit und Sozialpolitik, Universität Bremen, Bremen, Deutschland
| | - Karin Wolf-Ostermann
- Institut für Public Health und Pflegeforschung, Abteilung Pflegewissenschaftliche Versorgungsforschung, Universität Bremen, Grazer Straße 4, 28359 Bremen, Deutschland
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Gillyard T, Davis J, Parham I, Moss J, Barre I, Alexander L, Cunningham-Erves J. Psychosocial Stressors and Coping Strategies Among African Americans During Early Stages of the COVID-19 Pandemic: a Qualitative Study. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities 2023; 10:373-386. [PMID: 35072945 PMCID: PMC8785694 DOI: 10.1007/s40615-022-01229-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The disproportionate impact of coronavirus (COVID-19) on African Americans along with associated inequities in social determinants of health (SDOH) and racism increase their vulnerability to the psychosocial impact of COVID-19. This qualitative study applied the socio-ecological model (SEM) to explore psychosocial stressors, coping styles, and needs to improve psychosocial health among unique subgroups of African Americans in early pandemic stages. METHODS Sixty-two African Americans (16 parents, 15 young adults, 16 essential workers, and 15 individuals with underlying medical conditions) participated in qualitative, semi-structured interviews between May and September 2020. Interview data were analyzed based on the SEM using thematic analysis. RESULTS The majority (84%) reported being stressed with parents having the highest level. Four themes emerged : (1) our COVID-19 pandemic state of mind, (2) top stressors in the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, (3) coping strategies during COVID-19, and (4) needs during the COVID-19 pandemic to reduce stress. While there were similarities, different stressors were experienced among subgroups, which yielded different coping styles and needs from stakeholders across multi-levels to improve their psychosocial health. CONCLUSIONS Findings suggest current and future pandemic response plans need targeted strategies across multiple levels of influence to address the psychosocial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on African Americans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taneisha Gillyard
- grid.259870.10000 0001 0286 752XSchool of Graduate Studies and Research, Department of Biochemistry and Cancer Biology, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN USA
| | - Jamaine Davis
- grid.259870.10000 0001 0286 752XSchool of Graduate Studies and Research, Department of Biochemistry and Cancer Biology, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN USA
| | - Imari Parham
- grid.259870.10000 0001 0286 752XSchool of Medicine, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN USA
| | - Jamal Moss
- grid.259870.10000 0001 0286 752XSchool of Medicine, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN USA
| | - Iman Barre
- grid.259870.10000 0001 0286 752XSchool of Medicine, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN USA
| | - Leah Alexander
- grid.259870.10000 0001 0286 752XSchool of Graduate Studies and Research, Division of Public Health Practice, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN 37208 USA
| | - Jennifer Cunningham-Erves
- grid.259870.10000 0001 0286 752XSchool of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Meharry Medical College, 1005 Dr. D. B. Todd Jr. Blvd, Nashville, TN 37208-3599 USA
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Grohé J, Gellert P, Kessler EM. Experiences of Home-living Vulnerable Older Adults with Clinical Depression during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Study. Clin Gerontol 2023; 46:789-800. [PMID: 35749153 DOI: 10.1080/07317115.2022.2091499] [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: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Little is known about the diversity of older adults' experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. We therefore investigated the pandemic experiences of home-living vulnerable older adults with depression, an understudied subpopulation. METHODS We conducted unstructured interviews with N= 20 older (60+ years) adults with clinical depression receiving care in their homes in June and again in December 2020. Interviews were coded according to the grounded theory approach. RESULTS We identified eight themes. Participants described feeling disconnected before and during the pandemic, which they attributed to their physical impairments and old age. Their social relations with family, medical providers, and caregivers helped them feel connected. Participants did not feel significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, but they missed social and physical contact. During the pandemic, isolation was normalized. Participants therefore experienced loneliness due to their isolation, but also a sense of togetherness with the rest of society. Isolation within the home was re-framed as cocooning, which provided a sense of autonomy. Participants nevertheless expressed resignation. CONCLUSIONS Home-living vulnerable older adults with depression experienced loneliness but also a degree of relief during the pandemic. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS Positively re-framing isolation and the stability of formal caregiving helped participants endure feeling disconnected during the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Grohé
- Department of Psychology, MSB Medical School Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Institute of Medical Sociology and Rehabilitation Science, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Paul Gellert
- Institute of Medical Sociology and Rehabilitation Science, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Eva-Marie Kessler
- Department of Psychology, MSB Medical School Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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Ma G, Xu K. Value-Based Health Care: Long-Term Care Insurance for Out-of-Pocket Medical Expenses and Self-Rated Health. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 20:192. [PMID: 36612515 PMCID: PMC9819384 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20010192] [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: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Long-term care insurance (LTCI) is a significant approach in the effort to actively manage aging and the currently unmet need for aged care in China. Based on data from the 2011, 2013, 2015, and 2018 phases of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study, we used the propensity score matching-difference in difference (PSM-DID) approach to explore the impact of LTCI on out-of-pocket medical expenses and self-rated health. Results showed that LTCI can significantly reduce out-of-pocket medical expenses by 37.16% (p < 0.01) per year and improve self-rated health by 5.73% (p < 0.01), which conforms to the spirit of “value-based health care”. The results were found to be stable in the robustness tests conducted. Currently, China is at the intersection of “low-value-based health care” and “value-based health care”. Improving the health level of aged individuals while keeping medical costs under reasonable control is crucial for formulating and implementing a new round of healthcare reform in China.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kun Xu
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-198-1075-0586
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28
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Liu CH, Chen YJ, Chen JS, Fan CW, Hsieh MT, Lin CY, Pakpour AH. Burdens on caregivers of patients with stroke during a pandemic: relationships with support satisfaction, psychological distress, and fear of COVID-19. BMC Geriatr 2022; 22:958. [PMID: 36514006 PMCID: PMC9745281 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-022-03675-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Caregivers have faced unprecedented circumstances throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, but previous research only minimally addresses the caregivers' burden. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between caregiver burden, psychological stress, satisfaction with support, and fear of COVID-19 in caregivers of patients with stroke during the pandemic. METHODS A cross-sectional survey study with total of 171 caregivers of patients with stroke in a community hospital in Taiwan. All participants completed the Zarit Burden Interview, Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scale (DASS-21), satisfaction of support survey, and Fear of COVID-19 Scale. Pearson correlations were used to examine the bivariate correlations between study variables. Then, with the control of demographic confounders, a multiple linear regression model was applied with significant variables to construct and explain caregiver burden. RESULTS The proposed model significantly explained the caregiver burden of caregivers of patients with stroke. Specifically, the caregiver burden was negatively correlated with satisfaction with family support, but positively with psychological distress and the fear of COVID-19. CONCLUSIONS Caregivers of patients with stroke will suffer a greater burden if they have lower satisfaction with family support, experienced higher psychological distress, and perceived more fear of the COVID-19 pandemic. Health professionals must address these concerns, support caregivers, and enhance available resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chieh-hsiu Liu
- grid.416911.a0000 0004 0639 1727Department of Family Medicine, Taoyuan General Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Jung Chen
- grid.64523.360000 0004 0532 3255Institute of Allied Health Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, 1 University Rd, Tainan, 701 Taiwan
| | - Jung-Sheng Chen
- grid.414686.90000 0004 1797 2180Department of Medical Research, E-Da Hospital, Kaohsiung, 82445 Taiwan
| | - Chia-Wei Fan
- Department of Occupational Therapy, AdventHealth University, Orlando, Florida USA
| | - Meng-Tsang Hsieh
- grid.414686.90000 0004 1797 2180Stroke Center and Department of Neurology, E-Da Hospital, Kaohsiung, 82445 Taiwan ,grid.411447.30000 0004 0637 1806School of Medicine, College of Medicine, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, 82445 Taiwan ,grid.64523.360000 0004 0532 3255Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, 70101 Taiwan
| | - Chung-Ying Lin
- grid.64523.360000 0004 0532 3255Institute of Allied Health Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, 1 University Rd, Tainan, 701 Taiwan ,grid.64523.360000 0004 0532 3255Department of Public Health, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan ,grid.64523.360000 0004 0532 3255Biostatistics Consulting Center, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan ,grid.64523.360000 0004 0532 3255Department of Occupational Therapy, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Amir H. Pakpour
- grid.118888.00000 0004 0414 7587Department of Nursing, School of Health and Welfare, Jönköping University, Jönköping, Sweden
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Boeije H, Leemrijse C, Zonneveld E, van Schelven F. 'I cannot be missed yet': A qualitative study of carers of family members with an intellectual disability about long-term care planning during the COVID-19 pandemic. JOURNAL OF APPLIED RESEARCH IN INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES 2022; 36:310-319. [PMID: 36509109 PMCID: PMC9877928 DOI: 10.1111/jar.13060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Family carers of people with an intellectual disability sometimes need to transfer their caregiving tasks for example because of illness or ageing. We examined carers' experiences with long-term care planning and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their intentions to engage in long-term planning in the Netherlands. METHOD Twenty-five semi-structured interviews with family carers of people with an intellectual disability were conducted and 169 answers to an open question were thematically analysed. Data collection took place at three timepoints during 2020 and 2021. RESULTS Family carers were recurrently concerned with long-term care planning, especially with finding people to whom they can entrust their tasks. However, they perceived barriers in care planning. The COVID-19 pandemic reinforced awareness of long-term care planning and moved some to action. CONCLUSIONS The perceived urge to plan by family carers has grown due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The current study provides valuable insights for stakeholders to support them in this.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hennie Boeije
- NivelNetherlands Institute for Health Services ResearchUtrechtThe Netherlands
| | - Chantal Leemrijse
- NivelNetherlands Institute for Health Services ResearchUtrechtThe Netherlands
| | - Ellen Zonneveld
- NivelNetherlands Institute for Health Services ResearchUtrechtThe Netherlands
| | - Femke van Schelven
- NivelNetherlands Institute for Health Services ResearchUtrechtThe Netherlands
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Guduk O, Ankara HG. Factors Affecting Long-Term Care Preferences in Turkey. Ann Geriatr Med Res 2022; 26:330-339. [PMID: 36397295 PMCID: PMC9830061 DOI: 10.4235/agmr.22.0088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to identify the long-term care preferences and the factors affecting theses preferences in Turkish society, where long-term care may soon become an important issue. METHODS We applied data from the Family Structure Survey of Turkey conducted in 2016. Using data from 35,475 individuals, we performed descriptive analysis and logistic regressions to determine the preferences and determinants of individuals based on the Andersen Behavior Model. RESULTS Informal care was the main preference of individuals living in Turkey (37%). Men, individuals living in an extended family, and the young mostly favored informal care, while women, well-educated individuals, and urban individuals preferred institutional or formal care at home. CONCLUSION Efforts should be made to raise individuals' awareness regarding existing long-term care services. These services should be strengthened in line with society's preferences, considering regional differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ozden Guduk
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Yuksek Ihtisas University, Ankara, Turkey,Corresponding Author Ozden Guduk, PhD Faculty of Health Sciences, Yuksek Ihtisas University, Sağlık Bilimleri Fakültesi, Oğuzlar Mah. 1375. Sokak Balgat, Çankaya/Ankara, Turkey E-mail:
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The Burnout Levels of Caregivers and Caregiver Burden of the Patients with Declined Active Participation in the Community Mental Health Center During the Covid-19 Pandemic. JOURNAL OF CONTEMPORARY MEDICINE 2022. [DOI: 10.16899/jcm.1152433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim:
This study aimed to compare the burnout and caregiver burden in caregivers during Covid-19 due to the decrease in patient participation in the Community Mental Health Center (CMHC) and the inability to accept patients for a while before the Covid-19 pandemic.
Materials and Methods:
Caregivers of 47 patients registered to CMHC were included in this study. The first interview for this study was held in January 2020, before the start of the Covid-19 pandemic in Turkey. The second interview was held in June 2021, after the start of the COVID -19 pandemic and thus lockdown and restrictions. Sociodemographic data form, Maslach Burnout Inventory, and Zarit Caregiver Burden Scale were applied to caregivers.
Results:
The findings obtained in the second interview showed that Maslach Burnout Inventory (p
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Hvalič-Touzery S, Trkman M, Dolničar V. Caregiving Situation as a Predictor of Subjective Caregiver Burden: Informal Caregivers of Older Adults during the COVID-19 Pandemic. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:14496. [PMID: 36361373 PMCID: PMC9655837 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192114496] [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: 10/10/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has created and exacerbated emotional, financial, and technical challenges for informal caregivers of older people. The aim of this study was to explore the caregiving situation and subjective burden of informal caregivers of older family members during COVID-19, and to investigate how a caregiving situation's characteristics predict the subjective burden of care in times of COVID-19. The study was conducted in April and May 2021 via an online access panel. The sample (n = 612) was determined using a screening test that enabled us to focus on a Slovenian population of informal caregivers aged 40+ caring for a person aged 65+ for at least four hours/week on average. Our findings reveal that the subjective burden of care was high among informal caregivers during COVID-19. Multiple regression analysis showed that the provision of activities of daily living, care duration, average hours of care per week, formal care status, and recipients' health problems related to dementia or other memory problems significantly predicted the subjective burden of caregivers. These findings call for better recognition of the role of informal caregivers. The time and effort devoted to informal care should be supported by legislation and social security.
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Gräler L, Bremmers L, Bakx P, van Exel J, van Bochove M. Informal care in times of a public health crisis: Objective burden, subjective burden and quality of life of caregivers in the Netherlands during the COVID-19 pandemic. HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE IN THE COMMUNITY 2022; 30:e5515-e5526. [PMID: 36068677 PMCID: PMC9538241 DOI: 10.1111/hsc.13975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
In the Netherlands, about one-third of the adult population provides unpaid care. Providing informal caregiving can be very straining in normal times, but the impact of a public health crisis on caregivers is largely unknown. This study focuses on the question of how caregiver burden changed following the COVID-19 pandemic, and what characteristics were related to these changes. We use self-reported data from a sample of 965 informal caregivers from the Netherlands 3 months into the pandemic to investigate how the objective burden (i.e. hours spent on caregiving) and the subjective burden had changed, and what their care-related quality of life (CarerQol) was. We found that on average the subjective burden had increased slightly (from 4.75 to 5.04 on a 0-10 scale). However, our analysis revealed that some caregivers were more affected than others. Most affected caregivers were women, and those with low income, better physical health, decreased psychological health, childcare responsibilities, longer duration of caregiving and those caring for someone with decreased physical and psychological health. On average, time spent on care remained the same (a median of 15 h per week), but certain groups of caregivers did experience a change, being those caring for people in an institution and for people with a better psychological health before the pandemic. Furthermore, caregivers experiencing changes in objective burden did not have the same characteristics as those experiencing changes in perceived burden and quality of life. This shows that the consequences of a public health crisis on caregivers cannot be captured by a focus on either objective or subjective burden measures or quality of life alone. Long-term care policies aiming to support caregivers to persevere during a future crisis should target caregivers at risk of increased subjective burden and a lower CarerQol, such as women, people with a low income and people with childcare responsibilities. Such policies should consider that reducing objective burden may not necessarily lead to a reduction in subjective burden for all caregivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonoor Gräler
- Erasmus School of Health Policy and ManagementErasmus University RotterdamRotterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Leonarda Bremmers
- Erasmus School of Health Policy and ManagementErasmus University RotterdamRotterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Pieter Bakx
- Erasmus School of Health Policy and ManagementErasmus University RotterdamRotterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Job van Exel
- Erasmus School of Health Policy and ManagementErasmus University RotterdamRotterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Marianne van Bochove
- Erasmus School of Health Policy and ManagementErasmus University RotterdamRotterdamThe Netherlands
- Knowledge Centre for Governance of Urban TransitionsDe Haagse HogeschoolThe HagueThe Netherlands
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Chyu J, Cantu P, Mehta N, Markides K. Caregiving for People With Dementia or Cognitive Impairment During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Review. Gerontol Geriatr Med 2022; 8:23337214221132369. [PMID: 36299916 PMCID: PMC9585366 DOI: 10.1177/23337214221132369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has been a major source of stress for informal caregivers
for people with dementia. Studies show the unique challenges caregivers face,
such as social isolation, extended work hours, and adherence to public health
guidelines. We conducted a narrative review of factors impacting well-being of
informal caregivers of older adults with dementia during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sixty-four papers were identified as published between June 2020 and December
2021. All studies were conducted in the U.S. or other Western countries and were
cross-sectional and conducted prior to COVID-19 vaccines. Articles highlighted
increasing burdens such as financial and physical stress, as well as worsened
psychological well-being from anxiety and depression. Protective factors such as
social support and telehealth interventions also emerged. Limitations include
lack of longitudinal information to identify broader themes on caregiving during
the pandemic. Studies not only identified new, pandemic-related risk factors,
but also a heightened effect of pre-existing risk factors (e.g., income, living
situation) on caregiver burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Chyu
- University of Texas Medical Branch,
Galveston, USA
| | - Philip Cantu
- University of Texas Medical Branch,
Galveston, USA
| | - Neil Mehta
- University of Texas Medical Branch,
Galveston, USA
| | - Kyriakos Markides
- University of Texas Medical Branch,
Galveston, USA,Kyriakos Markides, School for Public and
Population Health, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77551, USA.
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Bailey C, Guo P, MacArtney J, Finucane A, Swan S, Meade R, Wagstaff E. The Experiences of Informal Carers during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Systematic Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:13455. [PMID: 36294030 PMCID: PMC9603569 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192013455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To identify, critically appraise and synthesise the qualitative literature on the experiences of informal carers of people with long-term conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic. DESIGN A qualitative systematic literature review. DATA SOURCES Eight electronic databases were systematically searched (Medline, Embase, CINAHL, PubMed, PsychINFO, Web of Science, Nursing and Allied Health and ASSIA) along with Google Scholar and handsearching via secondary sources. STUDY SELECTION Eligible studies had to include the experiences of informal carers (adults who are 65 or older), use a qualitative methodology and had to be written in English. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS Retrieved papers were quality assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme qualitative checklist and ranked for quality. Thematic analysis was used to synthesise the findings. RESULTS Fourteen studies were included, all from medical or nursing journals (n = 5 specifically gerontology). Four main themes were identified: (i) fear, (ii) uncertainty, (iii) burden and (iv) staying connected. Caregiving demands have increased for carers during the pandemic, as well as negative emotions such as fear and uncertainty. At the same time, less social support has been available, leading to concerns about carers' wellbeing and ability to cope. CONCLUSION Carers' needs have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Greater practical and emotional support is needed for carers from both formal services and community sources that considers their changing needs and offers educational and emotional support for long-term wellbeing. Strengths and Limitations: (1) This is the first systematic review to explore in depth the experiences of informal carers caring for people with a range of long-term conditions and from an international context. (2) The review includes an analysis of the quality of the studies, as well as a study of their relative contributions. (3) Further research is needed to explore the physical, emotional and financial impact of the pandemic for bereaved carers which is not captured in this review due to the lack of empirical data available at the time of review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cara Bailey
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Institute of Clinical Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Ping Guo
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Institute of Clinical Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - John MacArtney
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Anne Finucane
- Clinical Psychology, School of Health in Social Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9YL, UK
- Marie Curie Hospice Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH10 7DR, UK
| | - Susan Swan
- Maggie’s Glasgow, Gartnavel Hospital, 1053 Great Western Road, Glasgow G12 OYN, UK
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Budnick A, Bünning F, Kuhlmey A. CaRegiving frOm A Distance (ROAD): home care in the future-flexible and nearby - multimethod qualitative study protocol. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e062927. [PMID: 36220312 PMCID: PMC9557778 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-062927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Demographic change in Germany is accompanied by a birth rate deficit and increasing life expectancy. One effect of the ageing population is an increase in people needing care, most of whom want to grow old in their homes and to be cared for there. At the same time, informal caregivers are a core resource in the German care system, but due to social changes, this resource is not endless. Processes of social change in German society will cause further erosion in the potential number of informal local caregivers. Therefore, it will be increasingly important to provide conditions so that individuals at a distance who support people needing care are actually able to do so. Distance caregiving is a broad field, posing questions of intergenerational and intragenerational solidarity and the balance between work, family and caring responsibilities. Systematic research is required into opportunities and limitations, including innovative technology, in the whole field of care arrangements over a distance. The demands of the different actors in the distance caregiving arrangement are not yet known and are the subject of our study. METHODS AND ANALYSIS This study will develop a model for distance caregiving. A qualitative multimethod research design (non-interventional study) will be adopted. The study will take place between September 2021 and August 2024. Participants will be selected by a purposeful sampling process. Phenomenological analysis will guide our data analysis. Data collected in this study will allow for triangulation, thereby increasing the trustworthiness of findings. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Ethical approval for this study has been granted by the ethics committee of the Faculty of Medicine of the Charité, Universitätsmedizin Berlin (ID: EA1/371/21). Dissemination of the results will take place among the scientific community. Results will also be disseminated among the public and actors involved in healthcare and nursing care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Budnick
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität Berlin, and Institute of Medical Sociology and Rehabilitation Sciences, Virchowweg 22, 10117 Berlin, Germany, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin Campus Charite Mitte, Berlin, Germany
| | - Farina Bünning
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität Berlin, and Institute of Medical Sociology and Rehabilitation Sciences, Virchowweg 22, 10117 Berlin, Germany, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin Campus Charite Mitte, Berlin, Germany
| | - Adelheid Kuhlmey
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität Berlin, and Institute of Medical Sociology and Rehabilitation Sciences, Virchowweg 22, 10117 Berlin, Germany, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin Campus Charite Mitte, Berlin, Germany
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Zwar L, König HH, Hajek A. Informal caregiving during the COVID-19 pandemic: findings from a representative, population-based study during the second wave of the pandemic in Germany. Aging Ment Health 2022; 26:2062-2070. [PMID: 34644202 DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2021.1989377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study investigates how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the informal caregiving situation in terms of prevalence of caregivers, infection rates, perception of impairment and danger by the pandemic, and changes in the caregiving performance among long-term caregivers from before to during the peak of the pandemic. METHODS Informal caregivers (N = 489 during the pandemic) from a population-based sample, representative for individuals aged ≥40 years from Germany (N = 3022, assessed March 2021), were questioned. Sociodemographic information, prevalence and performance of informal care before and during the second pandemic wave, infection rates and perceived impairment and danger of the pandemic were assessed. RESULTS Results indicate no significantly different prevalence of informal caregiving during the pandemic compared to before. Few caregivers and few of their care recipients were infected. Overall, a low to moderate level of impairment was reported by caregivers, but a moderately high perceived danger, particularly for care recipients. Among long-term caregivers, caregiving intensity and time increased during the pandemic, less ambulatory care but more shopping help was used and care task distribution and use of support changed. CONCLUSION While the prevalence of informal caregivers remained unchanged, the caregiving situation worsened among long-term caregivers. Infection rates among caregivers were low, but they perceived themselves and their care recipients to be endangered. Future research and policy should focus more on this vulnerable group during a health crisis, primarily on long-term caregivers, in order to effectively support them in their care provision for the high risk group of older care recipients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larissa Zwar
- 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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Perspectives from designated family caregivers of critically ill adult patients during the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative interview study. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0275310. [PMID: 36166458 PMCID: PMC9514636 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0275310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Family visitation in intensive care units (ICU) has been impacted by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (COVID-19) pandemic. While studies report on perceptions of families completely restricted from ICUs, little is known about the burden experienced by designated family caregivers allowed to visit their critically ill loved one. This study sought the perspectives of family caregivers of critically ill patients on the impact of one-person designated visitor policies mandated in ICUs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods Throughout the study period a restricted visitation policy was mandated capturing the first (April 2020) and second (December 2020) waves of the pandemic that allowed one designated family caregiver (i.e., spouses or adult children) per patient to visit the ICU. Designated family caregivers of critically ill patients admitted to ICU September 2020 to November 2020 took part in individual 60-minute, semi-structured interviews at 6-months after discharge from the index ICU admission. Themes from family interviews were summarized with representative quotations. Results Key themes identified following thematic analysis from six participants included: one visitor rule, patient advocate role, information needs, emotional distress, strategies for coping with challenges, practicing empathy, and appreciation of growth. Conclusion Designated family caregivers of critically ill patients admitted to ICU during the COVID-19 pandemic perceived a complex and highly stressful experience. Support from ICU family liaisons and psychologists may help ameliorate the impact.
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Finstad J, Clausen T, Rosseland LA, Røise O, Havnes IA. Patient Experiences after Physical Trauma: The Negative Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Recovery. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:12258. [PMID: 36231553 PMCID: PMC9566588 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191912258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic generated a crisis within the healthcare system, during which acute, COVID-19-related health needs were prioritized over less urgent needs, including vulnerable subgroups. This study explored experiences of recovery among survivors of physical injuries associated with severe pain during the COVID-19 pandemic in Norway. In-depth interviews were conducted among 13 participants. Findings generated by a thematic analysis revealed that the pandemic, including the contagion control measures and interrupted healthcare, were of negative consequence for the participants' recovery experiences and mental and physical health. Despite experiencing severe pain and perceived needs for support, the participants experienced being deprioritized by the healthcare system. They experienced a reduced capacity to cope with pandemic-related stress and to perform everyday tasks, which they perceived as generating an additional burden for their loved ones. Alcohol was reported to be used in an effort to relieve the associated mental distress. As suggested by this study, injury survivors constitute a vulnerable subgroup for whom the continuity of rehabilitation services during a national crisis, as well as the integration of mental health support, can be essential for mitigating the negative impact of the crisis on recovery and for promoting optimal long-term health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeanette Finstad
- Division of Emergencies and Critical Care, Department of Research and Development, Oslo University Hospital, P.O. Box 4956, 0424 Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1171, 0318 Oslo, Norway
| | - Thomas Clausen
- Norwegian Centre for Addiction Research, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1039, 0315 Oslo, Norway
| | - Leiv Arne Rosseland
- Division of Emergencies and Critical Care, Department of Research and Development, Oslo University Hospital, P.O. Box 4956, 0424 Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1171, 0318 Oslo, Norway
| | - Olav Røise
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1171, 0318 Oslo, Norway
- Norwegian Trauma Registry, Division of Orthopedic Surgery, Oslo University Hospital, P.O. Box 4956, 0424 Oslo, Norway
| | - Ingrid A. Havnes
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1171, 0318 Oslo, Norway
- Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, P.O. Box 4959, 0424 Oslo, Norway
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Zonneveld E, van Schelven F, Boeije H. Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on quality of life among relatives of individuals with intellectual disabilities: A longitudinal study. JOURNAL OF APPLIED RESEARCH IN INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES 2022; 36:68-77. [PMID: 36134473 PMCID: PMC9539069 DOI: 10.1111/jar.13035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Background The COVID‐19 pandemic poses risks to the quality of life (QoL) of relatives of individuals with intellectual disabilities. This paper investigates relatives' QoL and associated risk and buffering factors before and during the pandemic. Method Surveys were administered to three samples of relatives in the Netherlands in 2019 (N = 105) and during the first waves of COVID‐19 in June (N = 207) and October 2020 (N = 332). Associations between QoL and care burden, care competence, social support, and resilience, and changes over time were analysed using (logistic) regressions. Results No significant changes in overall QoL nor its domains were found. Care burden was negatively associated with QoL and increased during the pandemic. Care competence was lower than in 2019. Competence, social support, and resilience were positively associated with QoL. Conclusions Although relatives' QoL remained stable, the pandemic poses non‐negligible risks to their wellbeing. It is, therefore, crucial to provide relatives with adequate support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen Zonneveld
- Department Perspective of patients and clients in healthcare, Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research (Nivel), Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Femke van Schelven
- Department Perspective of patients and clients in healthcare, Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research (Nivel), Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Hennie Boeije
- Department Perspective of patients and clients in healthcare, Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research (Nivel), Utrecht, the Netherlands
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Maia AC, Nogueira P, Henriques MA, Farinha C, Costa A. Ageing and Long-Term Informal Care: The Reality of Two Countries in Europe: Denmark and Portugal. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:10859. [PMID: 36078574 PMCID: PMC9518465 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191710859] [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: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The knowledge of long-term informal care is particularly interesting for social and health measures related to ageing. This study aims to analyze how Portugal differs from Denmark regarding long-term informal care, specifically referring to personal care received by older people. A cross-sectional study was developed in Portugal and Denmark through the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) in 2015, with a total of 2891 participants. Descriptive statistics and logistic regressions were performed. The findings suggest a significant association for older people from Portugal who receive long-term informal care from non-household caregivers and household caregivers. Moreover, as they age and are from Portugal, their availability to receive long-term informal care from non-household caregivers increases. Furthermore, older people in Portugal are more likely to receive long-term informal care from a household caregiver. It is important to take a closer look at long-term informal care in both countries and think about healthy ageing policies in the current context of the ageing population. This study provides knowledge about disaggregated health data on ageing in the European region, helping to fill research gaps related to older people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Catarina Maia
- Health Sciences Research Unit: Nursing (UICISA: E), Nursing School of Coimbra (ESEnfC), 3000-076 Coimbra, Portugal
- Nursing Research, Innovation and Development Centre of Lisbon (CIDNUR), Nursing School of Lisbon, 1600-190 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Paulo Nogueira
- Nursing Research, Innovation and Development Centre of Lisbon (CIDNUR), Nursing School of Lisbon, 1600-190 Lisbon, Portugal
- Instituto de Saúde Ambiental (ISAMB), Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisbon, 1350-300 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Maria Adriana Henriques
- Nursing Research, Innovation and Development Centre of Lisbon (CIDNUR), Nursing School of Lisbon, 1600-190 Lisbon, Portugal
- Instituto de Saúde Ambiental (ISAMB), Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisbon, 1350-300 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Carla Farinha
- Center for Environmental and Sustainability Research (CENSE), NOVA School of Science and Technology (FCT), NOVA University of Lisbon, 1099-085 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Andreia Costa
- Nursing Research, Innovation and Development Centre of Lisbon (CIDNUR), Nursing School of Lisbon, 1600-190 Lisbon, Portugal
- Instituto de Saúde Ambiental (ISAMB), Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisbon, 1350-300 Lisbon, Portugal
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Rodríguez-Mora Á, Mateo Guirola T, Mestre JM. Overload and Emotional Wellbeing in a Sample of Spanish Caregivers of Alzheimer's Patients during COVID-19 pandemic. Exp Aging Res 2022; 49:389-406. [PMID: 36036728 DOI: 10.1080/0361073x.2022.2115739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Carers of Alzheimer's suffer from caregiver overload, anxiety and depression. Changes in caregiving brought about by pandemic restrictions (COVID-19) may play a role. The aim was to explore the caregiver profile and assess the influence of the pandemic on informal and formal caregivers in a Spanish sample. METHOD Sixty caregivers participated. An ad hoc questionnaire, ZBI, STAI and BDI were administered. RESULTS Informal caregivers were more overloaded, anxious and depressed than professional caregivers. Both groups perceived themselves to be more sad, worried and stressed than in the pre-pandemic situation. The pandemic-generated variables associated with caregiving did not influence caregiver overload in both groups. In informal caregivers, worsening of the patient with stress and changes in perceived social support with anxiety and depression. In professional caregivers, changes in routine were associated with stress and lower depression and changes in perceived social support with higher caregiver strain. Changes in caregiving routine and changes in perceived social support were predictors of overload and emotional distress in both caregivers. CONCLUSIONS Overload was not influenced by the pandemic situation. Changes in caregiving routine and lack of social support were found to be predictors of overload and emotional distress in both types of caregivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Álvaro Rodríguez-Mora
- Instituto Universitario para el Desarrollo Social y Sostenible, Universidad de Cádiz, Cádiz, Spain.,Department of Psychology, Universidad de Cádiz, Cádiz, Spain
| | | | - José M Mestre
- Instituto Universitario para el Desarrollo Social y Sostenible, Universidad de Cádiz, Cádiz, Spain.,Department of Psychology, Universidad de Cádiz, Cádiz, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación e Innovación Biomédica de Cádiz, Universidad de Cádiz, Cádiz, Spain
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How did the COVID-19 pandemic impact the wellbeing of family care-givers? A longitudinal study of older adults in Germany. AGEING & SOCIETY 2022. [DOI: 10.1017/s0144686x22000873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Previous research was not able to identify an effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on family care-givers' wellbeing due to cross-sectional data structures, care-giver-specific samples or non-probability sampling designs. In this article, by drawing on longitudinal data from a random and representative sample of the German population aged 40 and older, we overcome methodological limitations of previous research. We examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the wellbeing (life satisfaction, depressive symptoms, loneliness) of different groups of family care-givers (new care-givers, continuous care-givers, past care-givers) and non-care-givers in Germany. We derived a balanced sample of n = 3,875 individuals aged 43–97 (mean = 66.5 years, standard deviation = 10.2 years) from the German Ageing Survey (DEAS) to explore changes in wellbeing between 2017 (pre-pandemic) and June/July 2020 (pandemic). Using a first-difference approach, we found that the pandemic has a negative impact on both non-care-givers' and family care-givers' wellbeing, with increased levels of depressive symptoms and loneliness compared to pre-pandemic times. Changes in depressive symptoms of family care-givers did not significantly deviate from non-care-givers. However, continuous care-givers showed more pronounced increases in loneliness compared to non-care-givers. Our results suggest that family care-givers' wellbeing merits particular attention when considering the long-term consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on individuals' wellbeing.
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De Coninck D, Van Doren S, Matthijs K, Declercq A. Informal care burden during the
COVID
‐19 pandemic in Flanders, Belgium: The role of perceived threat, personality and resilience. Scand J Caring Sci 2022; 37:350-363. [PMID: 37195074 PMCID: PMC9539008 DOI: 10.1111/scs.13115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Background In this study, we investigate how socio‐demographic characteristics (age, gender and education) and informal care relationship characteristics (e.g., time spent on care, number of informal caregivers, professional care) are linked with informal care burden during the COVID‐19 pandemic. In addition, we expect this burden to differ by personality characteristics, degree of resilience, and—in this specific context—perceived the COVID‐19 threat. Method We used the fifth wave of a longitudinal study to identify 258 informal caregivers. These online survey data came from a five‐wave longitudinal study in Flanders, Belgium that ran from April 2020 to April 2021. Data were representative of the adult population by age and gender. Analyses include t‐tests, ANOVA, SEM and binomial logistic regression. Results We found that the informal care burden was strongly linked with a socio‐economic gradient, time investment changes in care since the start of the pandemic, and whether there was more than one informal caregiver. Personality traits such as agreeableness and openness to experience, and the perceived threat of COVID‐19 were also related to care burden. Conclusions During the pandemic, informal caregivers were put under extra considerable pressure: restrictive government measures sometimes led to the temporary suspension of some or all professional care for persons with care needs, which may have resulted in a growing psychosocial burden. We recommend that, in the future, the focus should be on supporting the mental wellbeing and social participation of caregivers along with measures to protect caregivers and their relatives from COVID‐19. Support structures for informal caregivers should be kept running during crises now and in the future, but it is also important to adopt a case‐by‐case basis to consider support for informal caregivers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Shauni Van Doren
- LUCAS Centre for Care Research and Consultancy KU Leuven Leuven Belgium
| | - Koen Matthijs
- Centre for Sociological Research KU Leuven Leuven Belgium
| | - Anja Declercq
- Centre for Sociological Research KU Leuven Leuven Belgium
- LUCAS Centre for Care Research and Consultancy KU Leuven Leuven Belgium
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Sharma Y, Whiting A, Dutta T. A Survey of the Challenges Faced by Individuals with Disabilities and Unpaid Caregivers during the COVID-19 Pandemic. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:10075. [PMID: 36011709 PMCID: PMC9408674 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191610075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic negatively affected many individuals. In particular, it is likely that individuals with disabilities and unpaid caregivers were disproportionately affected, however, its exact impact is largely unknown. The primary objective of this work was to identify challenges faced by individuals with disabilities and unpaid caregivers. A secondary objective was to identify potential solutions to the major challenges experienced by both populations. Two surveys were administered online to individuals with disabilities and unpaid caregivers, respectively between September 2020 and January 2021. We used an inductive thematic analysis within an interpretivist paradigm to analyze survey responses. A total of 111 survey responses were collected amongst both surveys. Separate thematic maps were created for individuals with disabilities and unpaid caregivers, and maps were drawn to compare challenges. Potential solutions to mitigate the challenges experienced by both populations include revising financial assistance programs and improving awareness of support programs that are available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yashoda Sharma
- KITE Research Institute, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute—University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2A2, Canada
| | - Alison Whiting
- KITE Research Institute, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute—University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2A2, Canada
| | - Tilak Dutta
- KITE Research Institute, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute—University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2A2, Canada
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G9, Canada
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Anderson S, Parmar J, L’Heureux T, Dobbs B, Charles L, Tian PGJ. Family Caregiving during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Canada: A Mediation Analysis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19148636. [PMID: 35886490 PMCID: PMC9317413 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19148636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 07/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Family caregiving is a public health issue because of caregivers’ significant contribution to the health and social care systems, as well as the substantial impact that giving and receiving care has on the health and quality of life of care receivers and caregivers. While there have been many studies that associate caregivers’ care work, financial difficulty, navigation, and other caregiving factors with family caregivers’ psychological distress, we were interested not only in the factors related to family caregiver anxiety but also in hypothesizing how those effects occur. In this study, we used Andrew Hayes’ PROCESS moderation analysis to explore the link between caregiver frailty, weekly care hours, and perceptions of financial difficulty, social support, and anxiety. In this analysis, we included 474 caregivers with relatively complete data on all of the variables. In regression analysis after controlling for gender and age, social loneliness (β = 0.245), frailty (β = 0.199), financial difficulty (β = 0.196), care time (β = 0.143), and navigation confidence (β = 0.131) were all significant. We then used PROCESS Model 6 to determine the significance of the direct, indirect, and total effects through the serial mediation model. The model pathway from frailty to care time to financial difficulty to social loneliness to anxiety was significant. The proportions of family caregivers who were moderately frail, anxious, and experiencing social loneliness after eighteen months of the COVID-19 pandemic found in this survey should be of concern to policymakers and healthcare providers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon Anderson
- Division of Care of the Elderly, Department of Family Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T5G 2T4, Canada; (J.P.); (T.L.); (B.D.); (L.C.); (P.G.J.T.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Jasneet Parmar
- Division of Care of the Elderly, Department of Family Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T5G 2T4, Canada; (J.P.); (T.L.); (B.D.); (L.C.); (P.G.J.T.)
- Medically At-Risk Driver Centre, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T5G 2T4, Canada
| | - Tanya L’Heureux
- Division of Care of the Elderly, Department of Family Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T5G 2T4, Canada; (J.P.); (T.L.); (B.D.); (L.C.); (P.G.J.T.)
| | - Bonnie Dobbs
- Division of Care of the Elderly, Department of Family Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T5G 2T4, Canada; (J.P.); (T.L.); (B.D.); (L.C.); (P.G.J.T.)
- Alberta Health Services, Edmonton, AB T5G 0B7, Canada
| | - Lesley Charles
- Division of Care of the Elderly, Department of Family Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T5G 2T4, Canada; (J.P.); (T.L.); (B.D.); (L.C.); (P.G.J.T.)
- Medically At-Risk Driver Centre, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T5G 2T4, Canada
- Alberta Health Services, Edmonton, AB T5G 0B7, Canada
| | - Peter George J. Tian
- Division of Care of the Elderly, Department of Family Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T5G 2T4, Canada; (J.P.); (T.L.); (B.D.); (L.C.); (P.G.J.T.)
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Health equity and wellbeing among older people’s caregivers in New Zealand during COVID-19: Protocol for a qualitative study. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0271114. [PMID: 35839228 PMCID: PMC9286244 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0271114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Knowledge of the challenges unpaid caregivers faced providing care to older people during the COVID-19 pandemic is limited. Challenges may be especially pronounced for those experiencing inequitable access to health and social care. This participatory action research study, located in New Zealand, has four main objectives, (i) to understand the challenges and rewards associated with caregiving to older care recipients during the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions; (ii) to map and collate resources developed (or mobilised) by organisations during the pandemic; (iii) to co-produce policy recommendations, identify useful caregiver resources and practices, prioritise unmet needs (challenges); and, (iv) to use project results in knowledge translation, in order to improve caregivers access to resources, and raise the profile and recognition of caregivers contribution to society. Methods and analysis Māori, Pacific and rural-dwelling caregivers to 30 older care-recipients, and 30 representatives from organisations supporting caregivers in New Zealand will be interviewed. Combining data from the interviews and caregivers letters (from an archive of older people’s pandemic experiences), framework analysis will be used to examine the interrelated systems of the human ecological model and the impact on caregiving experiences during the pandemic. Resources that service providers had created or used for caregivers and older people will be collated and categorised. Through co-production with caregivers and community partners we will produce three short films describing caregivers’ pandemic experiences; identify a suite of resources for caregivers to use in future events requiring self-isolation, and in everyday life; and generate ideas to address unresolved issues.
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Tsuboi M, Sawano T, Ozaki A, Nonaka S, Kohayakawa Y, Kondo H, Tsubokura M. Comparison of mortality patterns after the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant radiation disaster and during the COVID-19 pandemic. JOURNAL OF RADIOLOGICAL PROTECTION : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR RADIOLOGICAL PROTECTION 2022; 42:031502. [PMID: 35764063 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6498/ac7c9b] [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: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The initial health impact caused by radiation disasters can be broadly classified into direct and indirect effects. Though no direct health hazards caused by radiation, such as acute radiation injury, were observed following the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant accident, indirect deaths have been reported, including those caused by initial emergency evacuation and relocation, medical disruption, and psychological and social health effects. However, these indirect health effects have not been prioritised for addressal. We evaluated the radiation disaster experience with that of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic that emerged while facing the challenges from the radiation disaster. Most of the health effects of COVID-19 are directly associated with infection, but indirect health effects of various scales and entities have been reported. The two disasters have similarities in terms of the strain on community healthcare and the large number of deaths. Adapting the measures implemented in the acute to subacute phases of the COVID-19 disaster to radiation disasters may help improve management following future radiation disasters. Based on the experience and findings during the COVID-19 pandemic, the pattern of deaths in radiation disasters can be divided into five major groups: direct deaths, and four indirect patterns of deaths due to a deteriorating supply-demand balance (a hospital-level problem), collapse of the healthcare system (a community-level problem), death due to neglect alongside underlying disease, and diseases other than direct invasion. From the similarities between the two disasters, three main issues should be prioritised as initial emergency evacuation measures in a radiation disaster: emergency exposure medicine, the establishment of a medical system, and protection of death with dignity. The validity of these priority issues needs to be verified in future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Motohiro Tsuboi
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Japanese Red Cross Saitama Hospital, Saitama, Japan
- Department of International Cooperation for Disaster Medicine, International Research Institute of Disaster Science (IRIDeS), Tohoku University, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Toyoaki Sawano
- Department of Surgery, Jyoban Hospital of Tokiwa Foundation, Iwaki City, Japan
- Department of Radiation Health Management, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima City, Japan
| | - Akihiko Ozaki
- Department of Breast Surgery, Jyoban Hospital of Tokiwa Foundation, Iwaki City, Japan
- Department of Ggastrointestinal Tract Surgery, Fkushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima City, Japan
| | - Saori Nonaka
- Research Center for Community Health, Minamisoma Municipal General Hospital, Fukushima, Japan
| | | | - Hisayoshi Kondo
- DMAT Secretariat, National Hospital Organization Headquarters, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masaharu Tsubokura
- Department of Radiation Health Management, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima City, Japan
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Nakamoto I, Murayama H, Takase M, Muto Y, Saito T, Tabuchi T. Association between increased caregiver burden and severe psychological distress for informal caregivers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan: A cross-sectional study. Arch Gerontol Geriatr 2022; 102:104756. [PMID: 35779345 PMCID: PMC9214660 DOI: 10.1016/j.archger.2022.104756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 06/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Objective During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, informal caregivers’ mental health deteriorated more than that of non-caregivers. We examined the association between increased caregiver burden during the pandemic and severe psychological distress (SPD). Methods We used cross-sectional data from a nationwide internet survey conducted between August and September 2020 in Japan. Of 25,482 participants aged 15–79 years, 1,920 informal caregivers were included. SPD was defined as Kessler 6 Scale (K6) score ≥ 13. Self-rated change in caregiver burden was measured retrospectively with a single question item. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to examine the association between SPD and increased caregiver burden during the pandemic, adjusted for demographic, socioeconomic, health, and caregiving variables. To examine the differential association between increased caregiver burden and SPD, interaction terms were added and binary logistic regression was separately conducted for all variables. Results Participants’ mean age was 52.3 years (standard deviation 15.9), 48.8% of participants were male, 56.7% reported increased caregiver burden, and 19.3% exhibited SPD. Increased caregiver burden was significantly associated with SPD (adjusted odds ratio: 1.90; 95% confidence interval: 1.37–2.66). The association between increased caregiver burden and SPD was stronger among caregivers who were married, those undergoing disease treatment, and those with a care-receiver with a care need level of 1–2. Conclusions The results revealed that more than half of caregivers reported increased caregiver burden, and increased caregiver burden was associated with SPD during the pandemic. Measures supporting mental health for caregivers with increased caregiver burden should be implemented immediately.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isuzu Nakamoto
- Research Team for Social Participation and Community Health, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Murayama
- Research Team for Social Participation and Community Health, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Mai Takase
- Research Team for Social Participation and Community Health, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoko Muto
- Research Team for Social Participation and Community Health, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tami Saito
- Center for Gerontology and Social Science, National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Aichi, Japan
| | - Takahiro Tabuchi
- Cancer Control Center, Osaka International Cancer Institute, Osaka, Japan
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Fieselmann J, Wahidie D, Yilmaz-Aslan Y, Brzoska P. Additional burdens of family caregivers during the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative analysis of social media in Germany. Nurs Health Sci 2022; 24:414-422. [PMID: 35289050 PMCID: PMC9115354 DOI: 10.1111/nhs.12937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Caregiving is associated with various burdens for family caregivers. The COVID‐19 pandemic and the protective measures implemented to restrict public life, such as social distancing and the closure of services and educational institutions, add further challenges. Little is known about how they are perceived by family caregivers. Based on an analysis of German social media posts, the aim of this study was to explore the additional strains family caregivers experience during the pandemic. The websites of three social media services were searched using the respective search engines provided by the websites. Data from a 10‐month period (March to December 2020) were identified and examined. A total of 237 publicly available posts were included in the analysis. Seven main categories were identified using a thematic approach: care and support, deterioration of the condition of the person being cared for, psychological challenges, financial challenges, infection control, access to protective equipment, and acknowledgement of family caregivers. Family caregivers are affected by additional burdens during the pandemic, which makes the development of support and relief services tailored to this population group necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Fieselmann
- Faculty of Health, School of Medicine, Health Services Research, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany
| | - Diana Wahidie
- Faculty of Health, School of Medicine, Health Services Research, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany
| | - Yüce Yilmaz-Aslan
- Faculty of Health, School of Medicine, Health Services Research, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany.,Department of Epidemiology and International Public Health, School of Public Health, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany.,Department of Nursing and Health Services Research, School of Public Health, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Patrick Brzoska
- Faculty of Health, School of Medicine, Health Services Research, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany
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