학술논문
The hidden patient: chronic physical morbidity, psychological distress, and quality of life in caregivers of older adults.
Document Type
Academic Journal
Author
Sambasivam R; Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore.; Liu J; Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore.; Vaingankar JA; Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore.; Ong HL; Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore.; Tan ME; Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore.; Fauziana R; Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore.; Picco L; Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore.; Chong SA; Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore.; Subramaniam M; Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore.
Source
Publisher: Blackwell Pub Country of Publication: England NLM ID: 101230058 Publication Model: Print-Electronic Cited Medium: Internet ISSN: 1479-8301 (Electronic) Linking ISSN: 13463500 NLM ISO Abbreviation: Psychogeriatrics Subsets: MEDLINE
Subject
Language
English
Abstract
Aim: Increasing demands for care provision to older adults require good physical and mental health among caregivers. Few studies have examined the health status and correlates of quality of life among caregivers of older adults. The present study therefore sought to examine the prevalence of chronic physical conditions, psychological distress, and correlates of physical and mental quality of life among caregivers of older adults (≥60 years) in Singapore.
Methods: Participants were 285 informal caregivers who were providing care to an older relative. Participants were recruited at the Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, and they completed self-report measures on chronic physical morbidity, psychological distress, and physical and mental quality of life. Multiple regression models were constructed to examine correlates of physical and mental quality of life.
Results: More than half of the caregivers had at least one chronic physical condition (58.6%) and psychological distress (52.6%). Chronic physical morbidity, psychological distress, and secondary education status were associated with lower physical quality of life. Psychological distress, younger age, primary education status, and more time spent caregiving were associated with lower mental quality of life.
Conclusion: Poor physical and mental health among caregivers may impair their ability to provide adequate care to older adults with progressive medical needs. It is important for medical practitioners not to neglect the physical and mental health of caregivers through continued assessment of chronic physical morbidity, psychological distress, and quality of life.
(© 2018 The Authors. Psychogeriatrics published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of Japanese Psychogeriatric Society.)
Methods: Participants were 285 informal caregivers who were providing care to an older relative. Participants were recruited at the Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, and they completed self-report measures on chronic physical morbidity, psychological distress, and physical and mental quality of life. Multiple regression models were constructed to examine correlates of physical and mental quality of life.
Results: More than half of the caregivers had at least one chronic physical condition (58.6%) and psychological distress (52.6%). Chronic physical morbidity, psychological distress, and secondary education status were associated with lower physical quality of life. Psychological distress, younger age, primary education status, and more time spent caregiving were associated with lower mental quality of life.
Conclusion: Poor physical and mental health among caregivers may impair their ability to provide adequate care to older adults with progressive medical needs. It is important for medical practitioners not to neglect the physical and mental health of caregivers through continued assessment of chronic physical morbidity, psychological distress, and quality of life.
(© 2018 The Authors. Psychogeriatrics published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of Japanese Psychogeriatric Society.)