Current characteristics of family caregivers of elderly dependents in Northern Spain

Abstract

Introduction To know the current characteristics and trends in the profile of family caregivers of elderly dependents is essential in order to promote multi-component interventions individualized to each situation and context that enhance the positive aspects of caregiving and minimize their negative aspects. The objective of this study was to determine the current characteristics of family caregivers of elderly dependents in northern Spain. Methods Cross-sectional study: 184 family caregivers of elderly dependents in the province of Cantabria were selected by simple random sample stratified according to Healthcare Centres. Different types of variables associated with the caregiver were collected by a structured interview. Comparisons between groups were performed by using the Chi2 or Student t-tests for categorical and quantitative variables respectively. Alpha error was set at 5%, and all test were two tailed. Results One hundred and fifty-three out of the 184 family caregivers (83.2%) were women and 31 (16.8%) men. The mean age of family caregivers was 60.98 years [SD = 10.69]. No differences were observed in terms of age according to sex. Regarding the sex and family relationship of caregivers, three predominant profiles were identified: daughters (n = 104, 56.5%); wives (n = 24, 13%); and sons (n = 22, 12%). Overall, daughters and sons accounted for 68.5% of the sample (n = 126), and partners (husbands and wives) accounted for 15.8% (n = 29). Statistically significant differences were found between female and male caregivers in terms of marital and employment status. Female caregivers were in a greater percentage “married” (70.6%) and male caregivers were in a greater percentage “single” or “divorced or separated” (54.8%), P = 0.005; 32.1% of family caregivers (n = 59) were retired. “Household tasks” were more prevalent among non-retired women than men. The men were unemployed to a greater extent. Restricting to daughters and sons, the statistically significant differences were maintained. Daughters were in a greater percentage “Married” (62.9%) and “housework” continued to be more prevalent in daughters than in sons (31.7% vs. 0%). Sons were “Single” or “Divorced or separated” and “unemployed” to a greater extent. The educational level was similar in men and women; 61.4% of the sample of family caregivers studied only primary studies. Regarding the sex of elderly dependents, statistical differences were also obtained (P Conclusions Three predominating profiles for family carers of elderly dependents have been identified in relation to sex and family relationship. In order of frequency, daughters, wives, and sons. It is observed in comparison with previous studies, a decrease in the gender gap, due to a progressive incorporation of unemployed men in the role of family caregiver. The progressive increase of employed women in the last decades and the impact of the economic crisis occurred in recent years increasing the number of unemployed sons, can explain our results. The progressive aging of the population that affects both caregivers and elderly dependents, support the maintained trend towards a gradual increase in the percentage of retired family caregivers.