scholarly journals A comparison of spouse and non-spouse carers of people with dementia: a descriptive analysis of Swedish national survey data

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcus F. Johansson ◽  
Kevin J. McKee ◽  
Lena Dahlberg ◽  
Christine L. Williams ◽  
Martina Summer Meranius ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Life ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Psychosocial Impact ◽  
Care Recipient ◽  
Informal Carer ◽  
Policy And Practice ◽  
Swedish Population ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
People With Dementia ◽  
Informal Carers

Abstract Background Being an informal carer of a person with dementia (PwD) can have a negative effect on the carer’s health and quality of life, and spouse carers have been found to be especially vulnerable. Yet relatively little is known about the care provided and support received by spouse carers. This study compares spouse carers to other informal carers of PwDs regarding their care provision, the support received and the psychosocial impact of care. Methods The study was a cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey of a stratified random sample of the Swedish population aged 18 or over. The questionnaire explored how much care the respondent provided, the support received, and the psychosocial impact of providing care. Of 30,009 people sampled, 11,168 (37.7 %) responded, of whom 330 (2.95 %) were informal carers of a PwD. Results In comparison to non-spouse carers, spouse carers provided more care more frequently, did so with less support from family or the local authority, while more frequently experiencing negative impacts on their social life and psychological and physical health. Spouse carers also received more carer support and more frequently experienced a closeness in their relationship with the care-recipient. Conclusions Spouse carers of PwD differed from non-spouse carers on virtually all aspects of their care situation. Policy and practice must be more sensitive to how the carer-care-recipient relationship shapes the experience of care, so that support is based on an understanding of the individual carer’s actual needs and preferences rather than on preconceptions drawn from a generalised support model.

scholarly journals Knowledge and Practice Regarding Menstrual Health among Physically Disabled Women in Kathmandu, Nepal

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bishal Pokhrel ◽  
Sunita Mahat ◽  
Kriti Parajuli ◽  
Nishant Lama
Keyword(s):  
Menstrual Cycle ◽  
Social Life ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Data Entry ◽  
The Body ◽  
Cycle Duration ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Menstrual Health ◽  
Disabled Women ◽  
Knowledge And Practice

Background: Disability is the condition of difficulty in carrying out daily activities normally and in taking part in social life due to problems in parts of the body and the physical system as well as obstacles created by physical, social, cultural environment and by communication. Disability also carries stigma, so disabled people may face layers of discrimination when they are menstruating. The objective of the research is to assess the knowledge and practice regarding menstrual health of disabled women. Method: Descriptive, cross sectional study was conducted among 151 participations. Self-structured questionnaire and face-to-face interview were used as data collection tool and technique respectively. Data entry and analysis were done using SPSS version 20. Descriptive analysis like frequency and percentages were computed and presented in a table. Results: Most of participants knew 26-30 days were the normal menstrual cycle duration (80.13%). Only 31% of participants bath daily during menstruation. About 83% of participants used sanitary pad, 69.54% of participants changed pad twice a day. Maximum number (91.39%) disposed sanitary pad in dustbin. 76.82% of participants learned about menstrual hygiene from parents and friends. Majority of the participants (61.59%), cleaned the genitalia haphazardly 88.08% cleaned with soap and water Most of the respondent 90.06% had taken rest during menstruation. Conclusions: Disabled women were aware about normal duration of menstrual cycle and blood loss. However, improper practices related to menstrual health and hygiene were prevalent among disabled women, it should be timely and rightly approached to prevent and control adverse health conditions that may arise of it. Mother and peer groups could be the best choices of source of information to improve menstrual health and hygiene of differently able women.

scholarly journals A mirror image: experiences of informal carers caring for frail, older persons at risk from falling

2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 64-68
Author(s):  
Carolyn Lees ◽  
Thomas O'Brien ◽  
Constantinos Maganaris
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Mirror Image ◽  
Care Recipient ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Informal Carer ◽  
Health And Social Care ◽  
Informal Carers ◽  
The Impact ◽  
At Home

Falls can lead to social isolation, anxiety and depression for those who fall, although little is known about how informal carers manage those at risk from falling at home. This study aimed to explore the experiences of informal carers who care for frail, older people at risk from falling at home. A qualitative study using thematic analysis was conducted for this purpose. Data were collected via one-to-one, semi-structured interviews. Informal carers experienced social isolation, significant adjustments to their working lives, a fear of further falls, tiredness, anxiety and depression. These findings mirror previous observations, which have found that falling is a predictor of both physical and psychological changes, although in those who fall rather than those who care for them. This highlights the need for both health and social care services to identify the impact of care recipient falls on the informal carer.

scholarly journals Determinants of the need for respite according to the characteristics of informal carers of elderly people at home: results from the 2015 French national survey

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Wilfried GUETS ◽  
Lionel PERRIER
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Intervention ◽  
Population Aging ◽  
Probit Model ◽  
Care Recipient ◽  
Sensitivity Analyses ◽  
Informal Carer ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Training Support ◽  
Informal Carers

Abstract Background The demographic and social changes associated with population aging and the increasing incidence of chronic diseases underscore the importance of the role of informal carers. The number of informal carers is increasing and negative consequences associated with providing care, such as burnout, are known. However the influence of socioeconomic and psychological factors on the need for respite have not been well characterized to date. Informal care represents an essential component of health care systems and long-term care. The purpose of this study was to shed light on how the characteristics of informal carers affect the need for respite. Methods We used data from a nationally representative survey, Capacités Aides et Resources des Seniors (CARE - ménage), collected in 2015 by the National Institute for Statistics and Economic Studies (INSEE) and the Directorate for Research, Studies, Assessment and Statistics (DREES). The determinants of the need for respite among the characteristics of informal caregivers were explored using a probit model. To handle missing data, sensitivity analyses were performed using multiple imputations. Results Our study included N = 4033 dyads of informal carers and care recipients. The mean age was 61 for carers. The majority of carers were female, married, the child of the care recipient. Almost 27% reported a need for respite. A worse health status, feeling of loneliness, having a lack of time for oneself and needing to provide more than 30 h of care per month very significantly increased the need for respite irrespective of whether or not the carer lived with the care recipient (p < 0.01). Providing care to other persons was likely to induce a greater need for respite (p < 0.01). Cohabitation of the informal carer and the care recipient was likely to increase the need for respite (p < 0.05). Conversely, however, being closely acquainted with the care recipient showed a reduced need for respite in comparison with that of carers who are married to their care recipient (p < 0.05). Conclusions These findings provide useful information for policymakers, physicians and other health professionals for reducing carers’ risk of exhaustion and burnout and for referring carers to the relevant service, e.g. psychological intervention, respite care support, training support and education support.

scholarly journals Prioritising key motivators and challenges influencing informal carers’ decisions for participating in randomised trials: An embedded Study Within A before and after Trial (SWAT 55)

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
pp. 71
Author(s):  
Valerie Smith ◽  
Margarita Corry ◽  
Declan Devane ◽  
Shaun Treweek ◽  
Andrew Hunter ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Research Participation ◽  
Chronic Illnesses ◽  
Care Recipient ◽  
Feasibility Trial ◽  
Informal Carer ◽  
Care Giving ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Important Challenge ◽  
Multi Method Approach ◽  
Informal Carers

Background: Family members, or others, often assume the role of informal (unpaid) carers of people with chronic illnesses. Care-giving, however, can impact profoundly on the quality of life of carers and can cause carer worry, stress and guilt. Implementing interventions that positively affect the lives of carers is important; however, carers as a group are often difficult to reach. We embedded a study within a pilot-feasibility trial of a mindfulness based intervention to determine and prioritise the key motivators and challenges influencing informal carers’ decisions for participating in a trial. Methods: We used a multi-method approach involving interviews with participants from a ‘host trial’ and data from systematic reviews to develop a survey that was distributed to informal carers in Ireland. The survey consisted of 28 motivator and 17 challenge statements. Participants rated how important they thought each statement was when deciding to take part in a trial on a 5-point Likert Scale. Mean scores and standard deviations were calculated for each statement and arranged in descending order to provide the priority lists. Results: Thirty-six carers responded to the survey. Helping to create awareness about carers was the top ranked motivator, followed by four study design statements related to the time at which the study occurs, the study location, format of delivery and venue. The least important motivator related to how carers were invited to take part in a study. Difficulties in planning due to the caring role emerged as the most important challenge, followed by being unable to leave the care recipient on his/her own. Conclusions: Insight into decision-making for research participation will assist trial developers tailor trial processes for informal carer populations. We recommend that trialists should consider these motivators and challenges when designing future trials involving informal carers so as to enhance trial feasibility and success.

scholarly journals Caregivers of people with dementia and mental health during COVID-19: findings from a cross-sectional study

2022 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Messina ◽  
Martina Lattanzi ◽  
Emiliano Albanese ◽  
Maddalena Fiordelli
Keyword(s):  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Anxiety Symptoms ◽  
Care Recipient ◽  
Mental Wellbeing ◽  
Mild Stress ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
People With Dementia ◽  
Person With Dementia ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background There is sparse evidence on the impact on vulnerable populations of the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of our study was to explore burden and mental wellbeing (including depressive, anxiety, and stress symptoms) in caregivers of people with dementia during the first wave of the pandemic in Italy and southern Switzerland, two bordering regions severely hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods We conducted an online cross-sectional survey with family carers of people with dementia between May and June 2020. We registered socio-demographic characteristics, and information about the relationship with the care recipient, dementia subtype, care inputs from others, and the need of care of the person with dementia. We measured caregiver burden with the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI), psychological distress with the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21), and perceived isolation with the 3-item UCLA Loneliness Scale (UCLALS3). Results Caregivers (N =571) reported moderate to severe care-related burden (mean=54.30; SD=18.33), moderate anxiety symptoms (mean=10.04; SD=6.93), mild depressive symptoms (mean=11.79; SD=6.12) and mild stress (mean=12.95; SD=5.53), and 72.3% of participants reported to feel lonely. All scores were significantly more severe in Swiss compared to Italian caregivers (all p values<0.001). Conclusions We found that caregivers’ burden, anxiety symptoms, depression and perceived loneliness were marked during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, in two severely hit bordering countries. Regional differences in the impact of the epidemic on caregivers could be due to contextual, societal, and cultural circumstances. As the pandemic endures, support to caregivers of people with dementia should be proportionate and tailored to needs and adapted to contextual factors.

scholarly journals Prioritising key motivators and challenges influencing informal carers’ decisions for participating in randomised trials: An embedded Study Within A before and after Trial (SWAT 55)

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
pp. 71
Author(s):  
Valerie Smith ◽  
Margarita Corry ◽  
Declan Devane ◽  
Shaun Treweek ◽  
Andrew Hunter ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Research Participation ◽  
Chronic Illnesses ◽  
Care Recipient ◽  
Feasibility Trial ◽  
Informal Carer ◽  
Care Giving ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Important Challenge ◽  
Multi Method Approach ◽  
Informal Carers

Background: Family members, or others, often assume the role of informal (unpaid) carers of people with chronic illnesses. Care-giving, however, can impact profoundly on the quality of life of carers and can cause carer worry, stress and guilt. Implementing interventions that positively affect the lives of carers is important; however, carers as a group are often difficult to reach. We embedded a study within a pilot-feasibility trial of a mindfulness based intervention to determine and prioritise the key motivators and challenges influencing informal carers’ decisions for participating in a trial. Methods: We used a multi-method approach involving interviews with participants from a ‘host trial’ and data from systematic reviews to develop a survey that was distributed to informal carers in Ireland. The survey consisted of 28 motivator and 17 challenge statements. Participants rated how important they thought each statement was when deciding to take part in a trial on a 5-point Likert Scale. Mean scores and standard deviations were calculated for each statement and arranged in descending order to provide the priority lists. Results: Thirty-six carers responded to the survey. Helping to create awareness about carers was the top ranked motivator, followed by four study design statements related to the time at which the study occurs, the study location, format of delivery and venue. The least important motivator related to how carers were invited to take part in a study. Difficulties in planning due to the caring role emerged as the most important challenge, followed by being unable to leave the care recipient on his/her own. Conclusions: Insight into decision-making for research participation will assist trial developers tailor trial processes for informal carer populations. We recommend that trialists should consider these motivators and challenges when designing future trials involving informal carers so as to enhance trial feasibility and success.

scholarly journals Dementia Care: Intersecting Informal Family Care and Formal Care Systems

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Prabhjot Singh ◽  
Rafat Hussain ◽  
Adeel Khan ◽  
Lyn Irwin ◽  
Roslyn Foskey
Keyword(s):  
Family Member ◽  
Family Care ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Dementia Care ◽  
Formal Care ◽  
Policy And Practice ◽  
People With Dementia ◽  
Physical Burden ◽  
Formal Services ◽  
Informal Carers

Dementia is one of the major causes of disability and dependence amongst older people and previous research has highlighted how the well-being of people with dementia is inherently connected to the quality of their relationships with their informal carers. In turn, these carers can experience significant levels of emotional stress and physical burden from the demands of caring for a family member with dementia, yet their uptake of formal services tends to be lower than in other conditions related to ageing. This paper is based on a qualitative study undertaken in the Australian state of Queensland and explores issues of access to and use of formal services in dementia care from the perspective of the informal family carers. It identifies three critical points at which changes in policy and practice in the formal care system could improve the capability of informal carers to continue to care for their family member with dementia: when symptoms first become apparent and a diagnosis is sought; when the condition of the person with dementia changes resulting in a change to their support needs; and when the burden of informal care being experienced by the carer is so great that some form of transition appears to be immanent in the care arrangement.

The impact of relationships, motivations, and meanings on dementia caregiving outcomes

2012 ◽  
Vol 24 (11) ◽  
pp. 1816-1826 ◽  
Author(s):  
Catherine Quinn ◽  
Linda Clare ◽  
Ted McGuinness ◽  
Robert T. Woods
Keyword(s):  
Relationship Quality ◽  
Longitudinal Research ◽  
Theoretical Models ◽  
Care Recipient ◽  
Limited Attention ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
People With Dementia ◽  
Intrinsic Motivations ◽  
The Impact

ABSTRACTBackground: Numerous theoretical models have been developed to explore how caregiving can impact on caregiving outcomes. However, limited attention has been given to the effects of caregivers’ motivations for providing care, the meaning they find in caregiving, and the nature of their relationship with the care-recipient. The current study explored the associations between intrinsic and extrinsic motivations, ability to find meaning in caregiving, and pre-caregiving and current relationship quality, and the way in which these variables interact to influence caregiving outcomes.Methods: This was a cross-sectional questionnaire study, in which the respondents were 447 caregivers of people with dementia who were in receipt of a specialist nursing service.Results: The results showed that intrinsic motivations, meaning, and pre-caregiving and current relationship quality were significantly related to each other, while extrinsic motivations were only related to intrinsic motivations and meaning. All these factors were significantly related to caregiving outcomes as measured by caregiver burden, role captivity, and competence.Conclusions: Based on these findings, it is recommended that interventions aimed at reducing caregiving stress should take into account the impact of the quality of the relationship and the caregivers’ motivations for providing care. More longitudinal research is needed to explore how meanings, motivations, and relationship quality change over the caregiving career.

Self perceived psychosocial impact of dental aesthetics among young adults: a cross sectional questionnaire study

2017 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kuracha Chakradhar ◽  
Dolar Doshi ◽  
Suhas Kulkarni ◽  
Bandari Srikanth Reddy ◽  
Sahithi Reddy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
Social Life ◽  
Human Life ◽  
Psychosocial Impact ◽  
Oral Disease ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Self Confidence ◽  
Anterior Teeth ◽  
Dental Aesthetics

Abstract Background Oral health is not merely the absence of oral disease and dysfunction, but also influences the subject’s social life and dento-facial self confidence. Objective To assess and correlate self perceived psychosocial impact of dental aesthetics among young adults based on gender. Subjects A convenience sample of Young adults of degree college in the age group of 18–23 years of Hyderabad city, India. Method Self perceived psychosocial impact of dental aesthetics was assessed using the psychosocial impact of dental aesthetics questionnaire (PIDAQ). The dental aesthetic index (DAI) was used to evaluate dental aesthetics among participants which includes 10 parameters of dento-facial anomalies related to both clinical and aesthetic aspects of the anterior teeth. Results The majority of the study population were 18 years of age (96; 31.4%) with a mean age of 19.2 ± 1.1 years. When the mean total score and individual domain scores of PIDAQ was compared based on gender, females showed higher statistical mean (p ≤ 0.05) for all except the psychology impact domain (p = 0.12). Based on DAI grading and gender, among both males [70 (32.9%)] and females [31 (33.3%)] the majority of them had a DAI score of ≤25 (grade1; normal/minor dental malocclusion). A significant negative correlation was observed between DAI, with PIDAQ and its domains (p ≤ 0.05) except for the dental self confidence (p = 0.72). Conclusion This study had examined the relationship between self-perceived psychosocial impact and dental aesthetics. So, early preventive or interceptive procedures should be carried out to prevent further psychosocial impacts on human life.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document