Caregivers and Quality of Life in Texas, 2010

BACKGROUND: The study objective was to assess the association between caregiver status and mental health indicators and quality of life measures among adults in Texas.

METHODS: Data from the 2010 Texas Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System were analyzed using logistic regression. The primary predictor variable was caregiver status. Caregiver status was defined as someone who provides regular care or assistance to a friend or family member who has a health problem, long-term illness, or disability. Respondents were asked, “During the past month, did you provide any such care or assistance to a friend or family member?” The quality of life outcome measures that were explored were as follows: 1) having five or more days of mental health not being good, 2) having activities limited, 3) receiving limited social support, and 4) being dissafied with life. Fully-adjusted models were controlled for age, sex, smoking status, BMI, educational level, employment status and martial status.

RESULTS: In Texas during 2010, 17.7% of adults reported being a caregiver. Compared to non-caregivers, caregivers were more likely to be female, but no significant differences were present based on age or race/ethnicity. Caregivers were more likely than non-caregivers to report having five or more days of their mental health rated as not good, 30.2% versus 18.9% (p<0.001), having their activities limited, 26.4% versus 18.6 (p=0.001), and being dissatisfied with life, 9.9% versus 4.6% (p<0.001). Caregivers were less likely than non-caregivers to report receiving limited social support, 3.5% versus 7.7% (p=.03). Caregivers were more likely than non-caregivers to report poor mental health, adjusted-odds ratio (OR) = 1.66, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 1.22-2.25). Caregivers were also more likely than non-caregivers to report being dissatisfied with life (OR = 2.16, 95% CI 1.29-3.64). 

CONCLUSIONS: These results show that being a caregiver may have negative impact on an individual’s well-being. Strategies may need to be developed to address caregiver burden, particularly those related to emotional and mental health.