ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of physical pathology (morbidity felt) and psychological unease (anxiety-depression) in crucial carers for disabled patients, and so establish a profile of them. DESIGN: An observational study. Analysis of two historical cohorts. SETTING: Primary care. Urban health centre. PATIENTS: The exposed cohort was made up of 54 carers for disabled patients, chosen at random from the records at our Centre. The non-exposed cohort (n = 54), matched for age, gender and educational level, was chosen at random from the consulting rooms. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: By means of a questionnaire, descriptive variables were collected, i.e. the morbidity felt, consumption of medicine, psychological unease (Goldberg's anxiety-depression scale), perception of social support (modified Duke Unl), index of the effort of the carer (IEC) and the profile of the person being cared for. The "typical" carer was a 57-year old woman (CI 95: 54-61), with a low educational level, daughter or wife of the disabled person, who received external help in few cases (11%). Problems of health referred to by carers (Arthralgia, migraines, asthenia, feeling depressed and insomnia), are more frequent (p < 0.001) than in non-carers. 75% took some medication, as against 45% of non-carers (p < 0.001). 83% displayed anxiety and 63% depression, against 36 and 37%, respectively, in the non-exposed cohort. A high IEC implied greater risk of anxiety (p < 0.05) and depression (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The crucial carer has a greater prevalence of physical and psychological morbidity. A high IEC and a perception of low social support create the conditions for higher anxiety and depression. Caring for the carer needs to be integrated into care for the disabled patient.
