Musculoskeletal symptoms in formal and informal caregivers of elderly people

Abstract

Objective: to evaluate musculoskeletal symptoms in formal and informal caregivers of elderly people, and check association with personal and work-related factors. Methods: this is a cross-sectional study. Instruments for assessment were the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, Self-Reporting Questionnaire-20, Borg’s effort perception scale and Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. Results: informal caregivers had been working for a longer time (60.2% vs. 41%), had more hours of work (37.4% >12h for day), less time off (85.4% vs. 2.5%) and lack of care guidelines (90.2%). The region with the most musculoskeletal symptoms was the spine and the greater dependence of the elderly, the greater the chances of developing musculoskeletal symptoms (OR= 1.3, 95% CI= 1.1-1.6, p <0.05). Conclusion: personal and work-related factors were more prevalent in informal group and the elderly person’s dependence interferes with the increase in musculoskeletal symptoms of caregivers.

iSupport-Brasil: Cross-cultural adaptation of the content included in the iSupport program for caregivers of people who have dementia

“…One of the limitations in the cross-cultural adaptation process described in this article is that the sample of participants from the focus groups of caregivers/former caregivers consists entirely of women. The literature shows that the role of taking care of a relative who has dementia is an activity predominantly performed by women (Ferreira et al, 2018; Figueiredo et al, 2021). However, seeking greater sample variability, it is necessary to be on the alert so that the next stages of the cross-cultural adaptation process of iSupport-Brasil are also comprised by male caregivers.…”

Bibliometric Analysis of the Informal Caregiver’s Scientific Production

“…According to the latest United Nations report on population prospects, the number of people aged 65 years and overrepresented 9% of the world population in 2019, and is expected to reach 16% by 2050, where the number of people aged 80 years and over will be about three times as high [29]. Of this 16%, about half, will develop some kind of disability or limitation that will undoubtedly require assistance from a responsible person, whereby the informal caregiver assumes a preponderant role in the discharge of needs associated with ageing [30].…”

“…Thus, physical frailty is defined as a consequence of multiple causes inherent to the aging process and characterized by a decrease in strength and resistance, reduction of physiological function, consequent increase of vulnerability and subsequent development of dependence [9,30]. As previously mentioned, family caregivers are mostly family members, partners, spouses, friends or neighbours who assist in a wide range of care assistance to the frail elderly person, experiencing a substantial physical, financial and psychosocial burden, as well as stress associated with decreased quality of life by the continuous character and longevity of their role as caregivers, often going against the satisfaction of their own needs [24,29,30]. Currently, musculoskeletal symptoms are closely related to the provision of care by informal caregivers, influenced by emotional factors, excessive workloads and poor training, particularly at the ergonomic level [29].…”

“…Increased longevity inevitably associated with increased incidence of morbidities is one of the predominant factors justifying institutionalization [29].…”