El cuidado familiar prestado por mujeres inmigrantes y su repercusión en la calidad del cuidado y en la salud

Abstract

ObjectiveTo understand the effects of care within the family provided by live-in female immigrants on elderly dependents and their families and the carers themselves in Seville (Spain). MethodsWe designed a qualitative study using in-depth interviews of key informants, immigrant care workers, elderly dependents and their families, and discussion groups composed of health professionals. The study was carried out in Seville between 2006 and 2008. The observation unit consisted of the families of elderly dependents with a live-in female immigrant care worker. The analysis units were health, care, dependence, gender, ethnicity and social class. Category analysis was carried out using QSR-NUD*ISTVivo1.3. After saturation, we triangulated among disciplines, researchers, sources and techniques to validate the results. ResultsThe most important factors for carers’ health were the migration process and care tasks. Interpersonal relationships constituted the principal factor affecting the health of all involved. ConclusionsThe care tasks provided by immigrant women, together with the migration process, have an important impact on their health. Good and egalitarian interpersonal relationships are a protective factor for health.