The impact of community care: Burden and quality of life of the informal caregivers of patients with severe mental disorder.

This study analyzes the dimensions and consequences of the burden of caregivers of patients with SMD (Severe Mental Disorder) and the repercussions that this role has on their quality of life and health in the physical, psychic and social spheres. This is a descriptive cross-sectional study and inferential observational study which explores caregivers of patients with SMD admitted to Psychiatry Day Hospital (Huesca, Spain). The technique of consecutive cases was used as a technique for sampling and sample selection. An individualized interview was arranged, where sociodemographic data were collected and scales and instruments were administered. 52 caregivers met the inclusion criteria. The female sex predominates (67%), being the patient's mother (48%). The average age of caregivers is 60 years old. Almost 60% of the sample presents intense burden and alterations of general mental health, 77% reveal anxiety and depression, and 46% little social support. Burden is associated with hospitalization within the last year, anxiety, or total social support received. It is appreciated how the diagnosis of a chronic disease constitutes an important challenge for the patient and their family, due to the burden of the disease and the impact of the new routines imposed by the continuous treatment.

Informal care. European situation and approximation of a reality.

INTRODUCTION: In European countries, the increasing of dependency affects individual, family-level and political aspects. The purpose is to analyse the effects on the health of informal carers living with a dependent person and the number of hours taken up by this care. Results between genders will be compared with other situations (time, energy commitments, influential socio-economic factors and differences among countries). MATERIALS/METHODS: This research is a cross-sectional study analysing secondary data and is carried out as part of the European Social Survey (ESS), 2014/2015. A total of 32,992 participants aged over 25 years took part in the ESS. Using an empirical framework, we have selected a simple logit model (logit) and a logit model with a multilevel structure ranking by country of residence (Xtmelogit). RESULTS: Being a carer is associated with a decrease in health indicators. Moreover, being a woman is related to an intense load of hours of care, no level of studies and living with difficulties. Living in southern or eastern European countries can also be considered a risk factor for carers. There are also important north-south political differences. POLITICAL IMPLICATIONS: These results show the need to apply gender policies to reconcile and regulate the distribution of the income of economically more vulnerable families, as well as the provision of social services to help dependents.

La dependencia: efectos en la salud familiar / Dependent relative: Effects on family health

Objetivos: Los objetivos de este trabajo son analizar cómo influye el hecho de que en el hogar haya una persona dependiente en el estado de salud de las personas con quien convive y en los estilos de vida; compararlo con otras situaciones que impliquen dedicación de tiempo y energía, y analizar diferencias de género y edad en cada etapa el ciclo vital. Diseño: Estudio descriptivo transversal analizando datos secundarios. Emplazamiento: El método de recogida de información es el de entrevista personal asistida por ordenador en las viviendas seleccionadas, realizada por el Ministerio de Sanidad, Servicios Sociales e Igualdad. Participantes: Un total de 19.351 individuos mayores de 25 años que realizaron la Encuesta Nacional de Salud 2011-2012 (ENSE 2011/2012). Mediciones principales: Estudio llevado a cabo con datos sobre la sociedad española procedentes de la ENSE 2011/12. Como marco empírico, seleccionamos el modelo Logit, reportando los datos en odds ratio. Las estimaciones se repiten de manera independiente por submuestras de edad y género. Resultados: La salud de las personas que conviven con una persona dependiente es peor que la de aquellas personas que no conviven (hasta 5 veces más riesgo de tener problemas de salud), especialmente si se es mujer, de edad avanzada, con un nivel educativo bajo o no trabaja. También ser cuidador reduce la probabilidad de mantener unos hábitos saludables como son el realizar ejercicio, el descanso o una dieta equilibrada. Conclusiones: Por lo general, convivir con una persona dependiente reduce la probabilidad de mantener estilos de vida saludables y deteriora la salud. Encontramos importantes diferencias de género y edad (AU)

Objetives: The purpose of this work is to analyse the effects on informal caregiver‘s health and lifestyle when living with a dependent person at home. A comparison will be made between this situation and other situations involving commitment of time and energy, taking into account gender and age differences in each stage of the life cycle. Design: Cross-sectional study analysing secondary data. Setting: The method used for collecting information is the computer assisted personal interview carried out in selected homes by the Ministry of Health, Social Services and Equality. Participants: The study included 19,351 participants aged over 25 years who completed the 2011-2012 Spanish National Health Survey. Main measurements: This research is based on demographic information obtained from a Spanish National Health Survey (2011/12). Using an empirical framework, the Logit model was select and the data reported as odds ratio. The estimations were repeated independently by sub-groups of age and gender. Results: The study showed that the health of people who share their lives with a dependent person is worse than those who do not have any dependent person at home (they are 5 times at higher risk of developing health problems). The study found that being a woman, advance age, low educational level and does not work, also has an influence. Being a caregiver reduces the likelihood of maintaining a healthy lifestyle through physical exercise, relaxation, or eating a balanced diet. Conclusions: Living with a dependent person reduces the likelihood of maintaining healthy lifestyles and worsens the state of health of family members. Significant differences in gender and age were found (AU)

[Dependent relative: Effects on family health]. / La dependencia: efectos en la salud familiar.

OBJETIVES: The purpose of this work is to analyse the effects on informal caregiver's health and lifestyle when living with a dependent person at home. A comparison will be made between this situation and other situations involving commitment of time and energy, taking into account gender and age differences in each stage of the life cycle. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study analysing secondary data. SETTING: The method used for collecting information is the computer assisted personal interview carried out in selected homes by the Ministry of Health, Social Services and Equality. PARTICIPANTS: The study included 19,351 participants aged over 25 years who completed the 2011-2012 Spanish National Health Survey. MAIN MEASUREMENTS: This research is based on demographic information obtained from a Spanish National Health Survey (2011/12). Using an empirical framework, the Logit model was select and the data reported as odds ratio. The estimations were repeated independently by sub-groups of age and gender. RESULTS: The study showed that the health of people who share their lives with a dependent person is worse than those who do not have any dependent person at home (they are 5 times at higher risk of developing health problems). The study found that being a woman, advance age, low educational level and does not work, also has an influence. Being a caregiver reduces the likelihood of maintaining a healthy lifestyle through physical exercise, relaxation, or eating a balanced diet. CONCLUSIONS: Living with a dependent person reduces the likelihood of maintaining healthy lifestyles and worsens the state of health of family members. Significant differences in gender and age were found.