Abstract
ABSTRACT.Given the benefits of adequate family function for the health and well-being of older adults, it is important to understand what factors predict adequate family function in older people who care for their spouses.Objective:Analyse predictors of family function in older spousal caregivers.Methods:A cross-sectional study design was used to investigate a non-probabilistic sample of 298 older spousal caregivers. Home-based face-to-face interviews were used to evaluate sociodemographic variables and care context, family function (Family APGAR), cognitive function, perceived stress, and depressive symptoms. Data were analysed using multiple logistic regression with stepwise forward method for variable section.Results:Older caregivers having some degree of cognitive impairment (OR=-0.160, 95%CI 0.444–0.579), depressive symptoms (OR=-0.848, 95%CI 0.726–0.992) or high levels of stress (OR=-0.955, 95%CI 0.914-0.999) had overall lower levels of family function. Having more children was linked to approximately 1.3 times higher family function (95%CI 1.080–1.057).Conclusion:Stress, depression, cognitive decline, and number of children are predictors of family function and should be considered in social and health care strategies within the family caregiving context.
Highlights
The increase in life expectancy of the population combined with the high prevalence of chronic diseases is related to an increase in functional capacity limitations in the older adults.[1]
Functionality is described as the dynamics of family relationships that are formed within families throughout their history,[4] with adaptation, companionship, affection and ability to resolve the family with its members.[5]
This study investigated the role of cognitive, emotional and sociodemographic variables as possible predictors of family function in caregivers of older spouses
Summary
The increase in life expectancy of the population combined with the high prevalence of chronic diseases is related to an increase in functional capacity limitations in the older adults.[1]. Functionality is described as the dynamics of family relationships that are formed within families throughout their history,[4] with adaptation, companionship, affection and ability to resolve the family with its members.[5] Family function can potentially affect the social, emotional, and physical health of individuals.[6] It reflects the family’s ability to meet the essential life goals of its members and the way the family members interact with each other within the family unit.[7] A family with adequate levels of family function is more likely to solve critical situations with emotional stability. Conflicts are often solved in a more balanced way, without overloading any family member, and individuals are able to adapt harmoniously in response to changes in life and stressful events.[8]
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