Caregiving for Dementia Patients during the Coronavirus Pandemic

Damian, A; Ciobanu, Adela Magdalena; Anghele, Cristina; Papacocea, Ioana Raluca; Manea, Mirela; Iliuta, Floris P.; Ciobanu, Constantin Alexandru; Papacocea, Șerban

doi:10.3390/jcm12072616

Cited by 3 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 55 publications

(56 reference statements)

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“…In addition to having to work from home, women were often required to shoulder the burden of additional caring responsibilities, such as supporting children during online education or taking care of a family member with a physical or mental disability. Women assumed the role of caregiver more often than men, scored lower on a quality-of-life measure, and reported higher levels of anxiety [41][42][43]. Caregivers reported a limited ability to cope with life stressors and increased social isolation [44].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Deepening Depression in Women Balancing Work–Life Responsibilities and Caregiving during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Findings from Gender-Specific Face-to-Face Street Interviews Conducted in Italy

Giusti,

Mammarella,

Del Vecchio

et al. 2023

Behavioral Sciences

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Purpose: This study investigated the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health, quality of life, and family functioning in a sample of the general female population, exploring difficulties encountered in managing family and work responsibilities and burden of care when taking care of a loved one. This study was, moreover, aimed at investigating factors capable of influencing severe depressive symptomatology in the context of socio-demographics, traumatic events, individual vulnerability, and family functioning. Method: The sampling method used in this research was non-probability sampling. The survey took place during a Hospital Open Weekend (8–10 October 2021) organized by the National Gender Observatory on Women’s Health “Fondazione Onda” on the occasion of the World Mental Health Day. Results: A total of 211 women were interviewed (mean age = 35.6, 53% living alone, more than 15% with financial difficulties, 47% exposed to the 2009 L’Aquila earthquake). More than 50% of the sample reported a higher complexity in managing their lives during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to their previous routine, with no statistically significant differences between working women and non-workers, although the latter obtained higher scores for depressive symptomatology and poorer quality of life. Compared to non-caregivers, female caregivers (22.3%) in charge of the care of loved ones affected by physical (10.9%) or psychiatric disabilities (11.4%) complained of a poorer quality of life, especially in general health perception (p = 0.002), physical function (p = 0.011), role limitations related to physical problems (p = 0.017), bodily pain (p = 0.015), mental health (p = 0.004), and social functioning (p = 0.007). Women caring for people affected by mental disorders seemed to experience a more significant worsening in vitality (p = 0.003) and social functioning (p = 0.005). Approximately 20% of the total sample reported severe depressive symptomatology. Previous access to mental health services (O.R. 10.923; p = 0.000), a low level of education (O.R. 5.410; p = 0.021), and difficulties in management of everyday lives during the COVID-19 pandemic (O.R. 3.598; p = 0.045) were found to be the main variables predictive of severe depressive psychopathology. Old age, good problem-solving skills, and ability to pursue personal goals were identified as protective factors. Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic underlined the need for support amongst emotionally vulnerable women with pre-existing mental health conditions, partly reflecting the cumulative effects of traumas.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Deepening Depression in Women Balancing Work–Life Responsibilities and Caregiving during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Findings from Gender-Specific Face-to-Face Street Interviews Conducted in Italy

Giusti,

Mammarella,

Del Vecchio

et al. 2023

Behavioral Sciences

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

Deepening Depression in Women Balancing Work-Life and Caregiving during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Findings of Gender-Specific Face-to-Face Street Interviews Conducted in Italy

Giusti,

Mammarella,

Del Vecchio

et al. 2023

Preprint

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Purpose: This study investigated the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health, quality of life, and family functioning in a sample of the general female population, exploring difficulties encountered in managing family and work responsibilities and burden of care when taking care of a loved one. The study was moreover aimed at investigating factors capable of influencing severe depressive symptomatology in the context of socio-demographics, traumatic events, individual vulnerability, and family functioning. Method: During a weekend devoted to Mental Health initiatives (October 8-10, 2021), 211 women were interviewed (47% exposed to the 2009 L’Aquila earthquake). Results: More than 50% of the sample reported a higher complexity in managing their lives during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to their previous routine, with no statistically significant differences between working women and non-workers, although the latter obtained higher scores for depressive symptomatology and poorer quality of life. Compared to non-caregivers, women caregivers (22.3%) in charge of the care of loved ones affected by physical (10.9%) or psychiatric disabilities (11.4%) complained of a poorer quality of life, with those caring for people affected by mental disorders seeming to experience a more significant worsening. Approximately 20% of the total sample reported severe depressive symptomatology. Previous access to mental health services (O.R. 10.923), low level of education (O.R. 5.410) and difficulties in management of their everyday lives during the COVID-19 pandemic (O.R. 3.598) were found to be the main variables predictive of severe depressive psychopathology. Old age, good problem-solving skills and ability to pursue personal goals were identified as protective factors. Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic underlined the need for support for emotionally vulnerable women with pre-existing mental health conditions, partly reflecting the cumulative effects of traumas.

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Maximizing the Benefit of Respite for Dementia Caregivers: A Study Protocol Describing the Development & Evaluation of the Time for Living & Caring (TLC) Intervention

Utz,

Caserta,

Iacob

et al. 2023

OBM Integr Complement Med

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Dementia caregivers are susceptible to adverse physical and mental health outcomes, given the often prolonged and challenging care and support they provide to family members with Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD). This report describes a community-engaged implementation of a novel behavioral intervention - an “app” (interactive website) called TLC (Time for Living and Caring) that coaches caregivers on how to maximize the benefits associated with respite time. The rationale and features of the TLC intervention and the full research protocol used to develop and then evaluate its feasibility, acceptability, and initial efficacy are described here.

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Caregiving for Dementia Patients during the Coronavirus Pandemic

Cited by 3 publications

References 55 publications

Deepening Depression in Women Balancing Work–Life Responsibilities and Caregiving during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Findings from Gender-Specific Face-to-Face Street Interviews Conducted in Italy

Deepening Depression in Women Balancing Work–Life Responsibilities and Caregiving during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Findings from Gender-Specific Face-to-Face Street Interviews Conducted in Italy

Deepening Depression in Women Balancing Work-Life and Caregiving during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Findings of Gender-Specific Face-to-Face Street Interviews Conducted in Italy

Maximizing the Benefit of Respite for Dementia Caregivers: A Study Protocol Describing the Development & Evaluation of the Time for Living & Caring (TLC) Intervention

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