What impact does informal caring have on Mental Wellbeing? A cross-sectional analysis of survey data

Abstract

Abstract Background It is estimated that 1 in 8 of the English & Welsh population are unpaid informal carers. There is an upward trend in the number of carers in a growing and ageing population. This study aimed to quantify the mental wellbeing of informal carers as compared to the English general population. Methods The study drew from secondary analysis of the Health Survey for England, including 10,300 participants of all ages. The outcome measure was the Warwick Edinburgh mental wellbeing scale (WEMWBS) a 14-item validated survey which measures subjective well-being and psychological function with higher scores denoting greater wellbeing. Derived caring status, age & sex were explanatory variables. Multiple linear regression was employed to estimate associations. Results Of the 7,297 eligible adult participants, 1,244 were carers. The adjusted mean difference in WEMBS for men compared to women was 0.53 (0.10 to 0.96, P = 0.016). When including caring status, the mean difference for carers compared to non-carers was -1.71 (-2.29 to -1.13, p < 0.001) adjusted for age and sex. In sub groups of age, (<25, 25-64, and >65) there was evidence that caring was associated with lower wellbeing for ages <64 but no evidence of difference in > 65 years. Conclusions There is compelling evidence that informal carers have a lower WEMWBS score, indicating poorer mental wellbeing. However, this does impact all age groups equally as there was only evidence of carers <64 having a lower WEMWBS. This is one of the first studies to quantify the mental wellbeing of carers, and could lead to further studies to identify a causal link, and better support carers. Key messages • Informal unpaid carers <64 years, have quantifiably reduced mental wellbeing, compared to the wider population. Further research is needed to reduce the disparity. • In an ageing population, and with increasing numbers of people informally caring, policy should support them in caring, and to also improve their own health.