Cognitive performance, burden and stress in aged caregivers of older adults with and without cognitive impairment.

There is an increasing number of aged people who provide care for other older people. Commonly existing burden and stress can change the forms of cognitive performance depending on the context of the aged caregivers. Objective: To compare the cognitive performance, burden and stress of aged caregivers of older adults with and without signs of cognitive impairment. Methods: A cross-sectional and quantitative study conducted with 205 aged caregivers of older adults with signs of cognitive impairment and 113 aged caregivers of older adults without signs of cognitive impairment treated in Primary Health Care. They were evaluated for sociodemographic characteristics, cognition, burden, and stress. Descriptive (Kolmogorov-Smirnov test) and comparative (Student's t-test and Pearson's χ² test) analyses were performed. Results: Aged caregivers of older adults with signs of cognitive impairment were older, had lower schooling levels, and a higher percentage of daily care hours compared to the aged caregivers of older adults without signs of cognitive impairment. Regarding cognitive performance, the means were lower for all domains. In addition, this same group had higher scores, with a statistically significant difference for perceived stress and burden. Conclusion: Aged caregivers of older adults with signs of cognitive impairment showed lower cognitive performance, as well as higher burden and stress levels. These findings guide the planning of interventions with aged caregivers in the Primary Health Care.

Nota-se um crescente número de idosos que prestam cuidados a outros idosos. A sobrecarga e o estresse comumente existentes podem afetar de formas diferentes o desempenho cognitivo, a depender do contexto desses idosos cuidadores. Objetivo: Comparar o desempenho cognitivo, a sobrecarga e o estresse de idosos cuidadores de idosos com e sem indícios de alterações cognitivas. Métodos: Estudo transversal e quantitativo realizado com 205 idosos cuidadores de idosos com indícios de alterações cognitivas e 113 idosos cuidadores de idosos sem indícios de alterações cognitivas atendidos na Atenção Primária à Saúde. Eles foram avaliados quanto às características sociodemográficas, cognição, sobrecarga e estresse. Análises descritivas (teste de Kolmogorov-Smirnov) e comparativas foram realizadas (teste t de Student e χ² de Pearson). Resultados: Os idosos cuidadores de idosos com indícios de alterações cognitivas eram mais velhos, com menor escolaridade e maior percentual de horas diárias de cuidado em comparação aos idosos cuidadores de idosos sem indícios de alterações cognitivas. Já quanto ao desempenho cognitivo, as médias foram inferiores para todos os domínios. Além disso, esse mesmo grupo apresentou maior pontuação, com diferença estatisticamente significante, para o estresse percebido e para a sobrecarga. Conclusão: Os cuidadores de idosos com indícios apresentaram menor desempenho cognitivo e maiores níveis de sobrecarga e estresse. Tais achados norteiam o planejamento de intervenções voltadas aos idosos cuidadores na Atenção Primaria à Saúde.

Sociodemographic, clinical, and psychosocial factors associated with burden in older caregivers: a cross-sectional study.

The task of caring can negatively affect the physical and mental health; therefore, it is important to understand which factors are associated with burden in older caregivers of older adults. Objective: This study aimed to explore sociodemographic, clinical, and psychosocial factors associated with burden in older caregivers of older adults. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study developed with 349 older caregivers who were registered at a Family Health Unit of a city in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. Household interviews were conducted and data were collected on the sociodemographic (profile, family income), clinical (self-reported pain, sleep, frailty), and psychosocial (burden, family functioning, depressive symptoms, stress) characteristics of the caregivers as well as dependence on activities of daily living and cognition in the care recipients. Results: Women predominated in the sample (76.5%) and mean age was 69.5 years. The mean burden score was 18.06 points, with 47.9% above the cutoff of 16 points, denoting excessive burden. The bivariate model revealed associations between burden and financial insufficiency, family dysfunction, difficulty sleeping, pain, perceived stress, depressive symptoms, frailty, and multimorbidity among the caregivers as well as worse functional and cognitive performance in the care recipients. The controlled model revealed an association between burden and depressive symptoms (ß=16.75; 95%CI 1.80-31.68). Conclusions: We identified an association between burden and depressive symptoms, underscoring the need for the planning and implementation of specific actions directed at caregivers in order to minimize the impact on health and to improve the quality of life.

A tarefa de cuidar pode afetar negativamente a saúde física e mental, sendo importante compreender quais os fatores associados à sobrecarga em idosos cuidadores de idosos. Objetivo: Explorar os fatores sociodemográficos, clínicos e psicossociais associados à sobrecarga em idosos cuidadores de idosos. Métodos: Estudo transversal desenvolvido com 349 idosos cuidadores cadastrados nas unidades de Saúde da Família de um município do interior paulista. Foram realizadas entrevistas domiciliares e coletados dados sobre as informações sociodemográficas (perfil, renda familiar), clínicas (dor autorrelatada, sono, fragilidade) e psicossociais (sobrecarga, funcionalidade familiar, sintomas depressivos, estresse) do cuidador, bem como dados de funcionalidade e cognição dos receptores de cuidados. Resultados: Houve prevalência do sexo feminino (76,5%), com média de idade de 69,5 anos. A média do escore da sobrecarga foi 18,06 pontos, com 47,9% dos idosos cuidadores acima da nota de corte de 16 pontos. O modelo univariado revelou associação entre sobrecarga e percepção de insuficiência financeira, disfunção familiar, dificuldade de dormir, dor, estresse percebido, sintomas depressivos, fragilidade e multimorbidade, além de pior desempenho funcional e cognitivo dos idosos receptores de cuidados. No modelo controlado houve associação entre sobrecarga e sintomas de depressão (ß=16,75; intervalo de confiança ­ IC95% 1,80­31,68). Conclusão: Identificamos associação entre sobrecarga e sintomas depressivos, de modo que é necessário planejar e implementar cuidados específicos a fim de minimizar o impacto na saúde dos cuidadores e favorecer a qualidade de vida.

Social and health-related predictors of family function in older spousal caregivers: a cross-sectional study.

Given the benefits of adequate family function for the health and well-being of older adults, it is important to understand what factors predict adequate family function in older people who care for their spouses. OBJECTIVE: Analyse predictors of family function in older spousal caregivers. METHODS: A cross-sectional study design was used to investigate a non-probabilistic sample of 298 older spousal caregivers. Home-based face-to-face interviews were used to evaluate sociodemographic variables and care context, family function (Family APGAR), cognitive function, perceived stress, and depressive symptoms. Data were analysed using multiple logistic regression with stepwise forward method for variable section. RESULTS: Older caregivers having some degree of cognitive impairment (OR=-0.160, 95%CI 0.444-0.579), depressive symptoms (OR=-0.848, 95%CI 0.726-0.992) or high levels of stress (OR=-0.955, 95%CI 0.914-0.999) had overall lower levels of family function. Having more children was linked to approximately 1.3 times higher family function (95%CI 1.080-1.057). CONCLUSION: Stress, depression, cognitive decline, and number of children are predictors of family function and should be considered in social and health care strategies within the family caregiving context.

Dados os benefícios da função familiar adequada para a saúde e o bem-estar de pessoas idosas, é importante compreender quais fatores predizem o funcionamento familiar adequado em pessoas idosas que cuidam de seus cônjuges. OBJETIVO: Analisar preditores de funcionamento familiar em idosos cuidadores de cônjuges idosos. MÉTODOS: Um estudo transversal foi usado para investigar uma amostra não probabilística de 298 cuidadores cônjuges idosos. Foram realizadas entrevistas domiciliares para avaliar variáveis sociodemográficas e situação de cuidado, funcionamento familiar (APGAR familiar), função cognitiva, percepção de estresse e sintomas depressivos. Os dados coletados foram analisados por meio de regressão logística múltipla com método stepwise forward para seleção das variáveis. RESULTADOS: Idosos cuidadores com algum grau de comprometimento cognitivo (OR=-0,160, IC95% 0,444­0,579), sintomas depressivos (OR=-0,848, IC95% 0,726­0,992) ou altos níveis de estresse (OR=-0,955, IC95% 0,914-0,999) tiveram menores níveis de funcionamento familiar. Ter mais filhos esteve relacionado a maiores níveis de funcionamento familiar em aproximadamente 1,3 vez (IC95% 1,080­1,057). CONCLUSÃO: A presença de estresse, depressão, declínio cognitivo e número de filhos são preditores do funcionamento familiar e devem ser considerados como parte de estratégias sociais e de saúde no contexto de cuidado familiar.

Comparison of cognitive performance and aspects of the care context in elderly caregivers in Brazil: A follow-up study.

Cognitive health is important for the quality of life and well-being of elderly caregivers. Cognitive impairments can negatively affect the ability to care for oneself and others. OBJECTIVE: To compare cognitive performance and aspects of the care context in elderly caregivers of older adults in a three-year follow-up investigation. METHODS: A longitudinal study was conducted of 61 elderly caregivers treated in primary care in a city in the interior of the state of São Paulo with data collected in 2014 and 2017. Sociodemographic characteristics, the care context, cognition, performance for activities of daily living, burden and depressive symptoms were collected in individual interviews. Data analysis was performed to compare categorical and continuous variables. RESULTS: Significant increases were found between baseline and follow-up for the language domain score of the cognitive evaluation (p=0.024), receipt of material support (p=0.020), time providing care (p=0.045) and dependence of elderly care recipient for basic activities of daily living (p=0.042). CONCLUSION: Elderly caregivers performed better on the domain of language, received more material/financial support, spent more time on care and reported greater dependence of the elderly care recipient.

A saúde cognitiva é importante para a qualidade de vida e bem-estar dos cuidadores idosos. O comprometimento cognitivo pode afetar negativamente a capacidade de cuidar de si e dos outros. OBJETIVO: Comparar o desempenho cognitivo e os aspectos do contexto do cuidado em idosos cuidadores de idosos em uma de acompanhamento de três anos. MÉTODOS: Trata-se de um estudo longitudinal com medidas em 2014 e 2017, realizado com 61 cuidadores idosos cadastrados na atenção primária de um município do interior do Estado de São Paulo. Características sociodemográficas, contexto do cuidado, cognição, desempenho nas atividades da vida diária, sobrecarga e sintomas depressivos foram coletados em entrevistas individuais. A análise dos dados foi realizada para comparar variáveis categóricas e contínuas. RESULTADOS: Foram encontrados aumentos significativos entre a linha de base e o acompanhamento do escore no domínio da linguagem da avaliação cognitiva (p=0,024), receber ajuda material (p=0,020), tempo de cuidado (p=0,045) e dependência do idoso em relação às atividades básicas da vida diária (p=0,042). CONCLUSÃO: Os cuidadores de idosos tiveram melhor desempenho no campo da linguagem, passaram a receber mais apoio material / financeiro, experimentaram aumentos no tempo gasto no cuidado e na dependência do idoso.

Brief version of Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI) for burden assessment in older caregivers.

The degree of burden related to the demands of daily care provided to a dependent older adult is important to evaluate due to the negative influence exerted on caregivers' physical and psychological health. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the validity of the 12-item version of the Zarit Burden Interview administered to older caregivers of community-dwelling older dependent individuals and suggest a cut-off score based on quartiles. METHODS: Three hundred and forty-one older caregivers (mean age: 69.6±7.1 years; 76.8% women) registered with primary healthcare centers were evaluated using the ZBI-12. Additional evaluations addressed stress (Perceived Stress Scale [PSS]), depressive symptoms (Geriatric Depression Scale [GDS]) in the older caregivers and the degree of dependence of the older care recipients (Lawton and Brody [L&B]). RESULTS: Cronbach's alpha demonstrated very good internal consistency (α=0.81). Correlations were found between all ZBI-12 items and overall score on the PSS (r=0.53; p<0.01). GDS (r=0.43; p<0.01) and L&B (r= -0.23; p<0.01) scale scores. The PSS demonstrated the strongest correlation with ZBI-12 score and proved to be the standard reference. Based on caregivers with a higher degree of stress considering the PSS score quartiles, a cut-off score of 13 points on the ZBI-12 is suggested for screening burden in community-dwelling older caregivers, but should not be assumed as normative data. CONCLUSION: The ZBI-12 can be considered valid for evaluation of burden in clinical practice and research as a fast, efficient option for screening burden among older caregivers of community-dwelling older adults.

O grau de sobrecarga relacionado às demandas do cuidado diário ao idoso dependente é uma importante medida a ser avaliada por influenciar de modo negativo na saúde física e psicológica do cuidador. OBJETIVO: Analisar a validade da Zarit Burden Interview versão 12 itens (ZBI-12) em idosos cuidadores de idosos da comunidade e sugerir nota de corte de acordo com quartis. MÉTODOS: Foram avaliados 341 idosos cuidadores (M=69,6±7,1 anos; 76,8% feminino) cadastrados na Estratégia Saúde da Família utilizando a ZBI-12. Adicionalmente, foram realizadas avaliações de estresse (Escala de Estresse Percebido [PSS]) e de sintomas depressivos (Escala de Depressão Geriátrica [GDS]) no idoso cuidador, e avaliada a dependência dos idosos receptores de cuidado (Escala de Atividades da Vida Diária de Lawton e Brody [L&B]). RESULTADOS: As análises por alfa de Cronbach mostraram consistência interna de α=0.81. Foi encontrada correlação entre todos os itens da ZBI-12 e do escore geral com os escores de PSS (r=0,53; p<0,01), GDS (r=0,43; p<0,01) e L&B (r= -0,23; p<0,01). Especificamente, a PSS obteve associação mais estreita com o escore da ZBI-12, se mostrando o padrão-referência. Considerando a divisão por quartil da PSS, para os cuidadores mais estressados, sugere-se nota de corte de 13 pontos na ZBI-12 para rastreio da sobrecarga em idosos cuidadores da comunidade em geral. CONCLUSÃO: A ZBI-12 apresentou boa consistência interna e pode ser considerada válida nessa população. Espera-se que o instrumento auxilie na avaliação da sobrecarga na prática clínica e na pesquisa e se torne uma alternativa de aplicação rápida e eficiente no rastreio de sobrecarga entre cuidadores mais velhos na comunidade.

Factors associated with happiness in the elderly persons living in the community.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to evaluate factors associated with happiness in a sample of Brazilian older adults. METHODS: A study was conducted with 263 elderly people in the area of coverage of a family health unit located in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. The Subjective Happiness Scale was used to measure happiness, the final score of which determined one of three outcomes: not happy, intermediate, and happy. Disability, sociodemographic characteristics, and psychological, cognitive, and physical factors were considered for the multinomial logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences were found among the three groups regarding satisfaction with life, disability, social phobia, anxiety, depression, and frailty (p≤0.05). In the multinomial regression analysis, being "not happy" was significantly associated with satisfaction with life (RRR: 0.53), depression (RRR: 1.46), social phobia (RRR: 1.24), and age (RRR: 1.06). CONCLUSION: The present findings indicate that psychological factors and age influence the levels of happiness in older adults living in the community. Furthermore, better screening, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health disorders could increase the feeling of happiness among older adults.

Factors associated with attitudes toward the elderly in a sample of elderly caregivers.

BACKGROUND: The number of elderly caregivers is increasing in the world. It is important to know the attitudes toward the elderly, because they can influence a range of behaviors. Our aim was to determine factors associated with attitudes toward the elderly in a sample of older carers. METHODS: Three hundred and thirteen elderly caregivers (75.4% women, mean age 69.7 ± 7.1) who cared for a dependent older person at home completed a cross-sectional household interview. In addition to the four domains of the Neri Scale to Assess Attitudes Toward the Elderly, participants were evaluated regarding the demographics, care recipient (CR) characteristics, functional and cognitive status, general health, life satisfaction, perceived stress, and depressive symptoms. RESULTS: Overall, attitudes toward the elderly were neutral in this sample. More negative attitudes in some Neri Scale domains were associated with being older, living in an urban setting, taking more medications per day, caring for an elderly dependent in basic Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), being "more or less" satisfied with life, and having higher levels of perceived stress. There was a negative association between positive attitudes and educational level. CONCLUSIONS: The results highlight the need for public policies to promote more positive attitudes toward aging and change negative stereotypes usually used to designate older people. These public policies can try to modify some predictors of negative attitudes, such as perceived stress, which was associated with all four domains of Neri Scale.