Estrés y estado emocional en cuidadores de familiares mayores con y sin demencia

Abstract

Background caregiving is a burdensome and stressful experience. The caregivers of dependent older persons suffer high levels of physical and psychological stress, especially symptoms of depression and anxiety. Whereas it is commonly accepted that caring for an older person with dementia is more stressful than caring for a dependent relative without cognitive impairment, few studies have specifically addressed this issue. The main purpose of this study was to compare the emotional state of the caregivers of elderly relatives with and without dementia. Material and method a cross-sectional design was employed. Data from 66 coresident caregivers of relatives with dementia and 42 coresident caregivers of elderly dependents without cognitive impairment were analyzed. Results the nature of the older person's impairment did not predict caregivers’ emotional problems (anxiety and depression). In fact, regression analyses revealed that more weekly hours of care (β = 0.160; p < 0.05), higher burden (β = 0.171; p < 0.01), greater impact of memory and behavioural problems on caregivers (β = 0.113; p < 0.01), lower self-esteem (β = −0.326; p < 0.01), lower satisfaction with social support (β = −0.316; p < 0.01), and higher emotion-focused coping (β = −0.326; p < 0.01) were associated with more symptoms of depression. Equally, higher burden (β = 0.322; p < 0.01), lower self-esteem (β = −0.266; p < 0.01) and higher emotion-focused coping (β = −0,326; p < 0,01) were associated with more symptoms of anxiety. Conclusions personal factors, rather than factors related to the older person's impairment or the caregiving context, may be the central feature in explaining the emotional impact of caring. The emotional state of caregivers of demented and non-demented older persons may be improved with appropriate treatments and adequate services focused on caregiver appraisals, coping strategies, and social support.