Impact of caregiving on health and quality of life : a comparative population-based study of caregivers for elderly persons and noncaregivers
Document Type
Journal article
Source Publication
Journals of Gerontology. Series A: Biological Sciences & Medical Sciences
Publication Date
8-1-2009
Volume
64A
Issue
8
First Page
873
Last Page
879
Publisher
Oxford University Press
Abstract
This study aims to investigate the impact of caregiving on the health status and quality of life (QOL) of primary informal caregivers (PCGs) of elderly care recipients in Hong Kong. A total of 246 PCGs and 492 matched noncaregiver (NCG) controls were identified in a population-based cross-sectional study through random telephone dialing. Their health status and QOL were assessed based on structured questionnaires and Short Form 36 (SF-36) Health Survey. Multiple conditional logistic regression analysis showed that compared with NCGs, PCGs had significantly increased risks for reporting worse health, more doctor visits, anxiety and depression, and weight loss. Female PCGs were more likely to report chronic diseases, symptoms, and insomnia. PCGs, particularly women, had significantly lower scores in all eight domains of SF-36 Health Survey. High caregiver burden score (Zarit Burden Scale) was positively associated with adverse physical and psychological health and poorer QOL. The results indicate that PCGs, particularly women, had an adverse physical and psychological health profile and poorer QOL compared with NCGs.
DOI
10.1093/gerona/glp034
Print ISSN
10795006
E-ISSN
1758535X
Publisher Statement
Copyright © 2009 The Author
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Full-text Version
Publisher’s Version
Language
English
Recommended Citation
Ho, S. C., Chan, A., Woo, J., Chong, P., & Sham, A. (2009). Impact of caregiving on health and quality of life: A comparative population-based study of caregivers for elderly persons and noncaregivers. Journals of Gerontology. Series A: Biological Sciences & Medical Sciences, 64A(8), 873-879. doi: 10.1093/gerona/glp034