50.9 Caregiver Status Predicts PTSD Among New Yorkers During the US COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Studies suggest that caregivers experience greater levels of stress and traumatic response in the context of disasters compared to those without caregiving responsibility. Although there is evidence of increased rates of anxiety and mental health burden among US adults during the COVID-19 pandemic—a potentially traumatic event—little is known about traumatic outcomes in caregivers. This study investigates the effect of caregiver status on PTSD symptoms among a sample of adults exposed to COVID-19 in New York. Our sample consisted of 541 New York University COVID-19 Mental Health Study participants recruited across New York State. The majority were women (373 [68.9%]) with a mean age of 40.9 years (SD = 15.3). Data were collected on demographics, caregiving responsibility, COVID-19–related experience (yes-or-no questionnaire developed by authors), coping strategies, and PTSD symptoms using the Trauma Coping Self-Efficacy (CSE-T) scale and PTSD-Checklist-5 (PCL-5). Descriptive statistics were used to describe population characteristics. Independent sample t tests, correlation matrices, and multilinear regression analyses were conducted to measure associations between caregiver status and PTSD symptoms. Among the sample, 195 individuals (36.7%) reported having dependents and were classified as caregivers. Among caregivers, 10 (5%) suffered from COVID-19, and 121 (62.1%) felt at risk for COVID-19 infection. Caregivers experienced higher levels of PTSD symptomatology (mean = 20.80 [14.8]; dl = 518; t = 3.386; p = 0.001) relative to those with no caregiving responsibility (mean = 16.26 (15.17); dl = 518; t = 3.407; p = 0.001). Controlling for age, employment status, perception of COVID-19 risk, quarantine experience, and coping strategies, caregiving responsibility was independently associated with PTSD symptoms [β = –3.206; p = 0.07]. The entire model explains 36% variance of PTSD symptoms. Compared to individuals without caregiving responsibilities, New York caregivers are at higher risk for PTSD symptoms in this current global health crisis. Specific emphasis should be put on this vulnerable subcategory in addressing COVID-19 mental health outcomes.