| Autor: |
Sánchez-Martínez V; Nursing Department, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain.; Frailty Research Organized Group (FROG), University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain.; Chair of Healthy, Active and Participative Aging, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain., Cauli O; Nursing Department, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain.; Frailty Research Organized Group (FROG), University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain.; Chair of Healthy, Active and Participative Aging, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain., Corchón S; Nursing Department, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain.; Frailty Research Organized Group (FROG), University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain.; Chair of Healthy, Active and Participative Aging, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain. |
| Abstrakt: |
Family caregivers of people with neuropsychiatric conditions are at risk of caregiver burden and declining health. The aims of this study were to identify the impact of caring on long-term family caregivers and their unmet needs and to explore their self-care strategies for achieving a successful caregiving experience. A mixed-method study was conducted using semi-structured interviews and a questionnaire in which standardized, self-reported measures of burden, health behaviors, sleep, and mental well-being were administered. Participants were family caregivers of people with neuropsychiatric disorders. Convenience sampling of 28 caregivers: 13 of people with mental health disorders (schizophrenia and bipolar disorder) and 15 with Alzheimer's disease. Based on the analysis of the semi-structured interviews, data saturation was reached. Analysis of self-reported measures indicated that 32.1% of long-term caregivers had high caregiver burden, 64.3% had reduced quality of life, 39.3% had low sleep quality, 21.4% had low adherence to the Mediterranean diet, 50.0% had a physical activity below the recommendation, 42.9% had high anxiety symptoms, 35.7% had high depressive symptoms, and 71.4% had reduced self-care agency. Content analysis and statistical analysis were conducted. Two themes were identified: (1) the impact of long-term caregiving and unmet needs and (2) successful self-care strategies. Caregivers of people with Alzheimer's disease spent less time doing physical activity, had higher caregiver burden, and poorer health-related quality of life. The negative impact of caregiving could be prevented/managed by assessing the individual's circumstances for the development of cross-sectional self-care strategies involving physical, emotional, and social spheres. |
