Physical and psychological morbidity risk factors in caregivers of older adults with dementia

Abstract

Introduction: In Cuba, the prevalence of dementia diseases (10.2%) it is a reality the National Health System is facing nowadays. Dementia affects not only the person who suffers from it, but also to the family and especially the health of the caregiver, who undergoes physical and emotional changes that compromise their quality of life.

Objectives: Identify the risk factors for physical and psychological morbidity in a group of caregivers of older adults with dementia.

Methods: Secondary analysis of the database of the study named "Aging and Alzheimer": a population study in people aged 65 and over conducted in Havana and Matanzas provinces, Cuba, in the period from 2003 to 2007. Primary caregivers of older adults with dementia were selected. A sociodemographic and risk factor interview, Zarit's scale of overload and the overall health questionnaire were applied.

Results: The level of overload (OR-4.88; 95% CI 2.16-11.02) was a risk factor for physical and psychological morbidity in caregivers, while the high level of education was a protective factor (OR-0.5; CI 95% 0.36-0.82).

Conclusions: Providing care to a demented patient is a source of chronic stress that can lead to serious health consequences for the main caregiver and in which various risk factors are associated with an increased overload. Studying these risk factors allow to explore care in other contexts and to involve dimensions, relationships and links that become challenges in the face of the design, execution and assessment of support interventions in response to identified needs, to address the conflicts, fears, and challenges experienced by key caregivers.