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

Abstract

ABSTRACT. 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.

Predictors of Depression Level among Community-Dwelling Elderly Persons

“…It was found that a greater depression level among the CDEP correlated with living with family members. This result is consistent with those of other studies [ 18 , 34 ]. The elderly who live with their families may still feel lonely because their families cannot meet their needs, which increases their isolation and depression [ 19 , 20 ].…”

Correlation of family functionality and burden of informal caregivers of hospitalized older adults

“…This emotional support received by the caregiver can work as an important tool for coping with stressful situations arising from care and causing intense burden (17) . The intensity of affection, the ability to adapt to an unexpected situation and to try to resolve it and companionship are fundamental for good family functionality, which is related to a high quality of life (8) . In addition, factors such as living in the same household as the older adults upon approval and intergenerational coexistence also influence the positive perception of family relationships (17) .…”

“…Previous studies described the relationship between burden and family functionality, indicating that caregivers with low levels of family functionality had high levels of burden and perceived stress (6)(7)(8) . A study conducted in Italy with the objective of examine caregiver burden and its relationship with family functioning in different neurological conditions.…”

“…However, previous studies that explored the relationship between family functionality and burden of informal caregivers captured in the hospital context are scarce. It is worth mentioning the importance of evaluating the family functionality in order to identify it as a therapeutic resource or a possible stressor (8) . Furthermore, it is known that caregivers with high levels of burden can compromise their well-being and quality of life, in addition to resulting in a possible illness, also negatively impacting the quality of care offered (2) .…”

Funcionamento Familiar: Revisão de Estudos Empíricos sobre Medidas de Avaliação (FAD, FACES-IV e SCORE-15)

“…Os autores concluíram, ainda, que a melhoria do funcionamento familiar parece estar associada à recuperação do paciente com transtorno mental, pontuando que a avaliação familiar poderá ser uma metodologia adequada para a identificação dos fatores do ambiente familiar que podem auxiliar no planejamento terapêutico e na reabilitação do paciente psiquiátrico. Pavarini et al (2020) analisaram os preditores do funcionamento familiar em idosos cuidadores de cônjugues idosos, revelando que a presença de stresse, depressão, declínio cognitivo e número de filhos são preditores do funcionamento familiar e devem ser considerados no contexto da saúde geral do idoso. Num outro estudo, Ferriolli et al (2007) mostraram como variáveis do contexto familiar (e.g., stresse materno, instabilidade financeira) se associam a problemas de saúde mental da criança.…”