Factors Associated with Health Checkups and Cancer Screening Participation Among Family Caregivers of Individuals with Dementia

Abstract

Background: Providing care for dementia can negatively influence the physical health and health behaviors of family caregivers. A better understanding of the factors associated with health checkups and cancer screening is vital to better develop effective interventions. Thus, this study aimed to identify factors associated with participation in health checkups and cancer screening among family caregivers of individuals with dementia. Methods: This study analyzed a total of 2,414 family caregivers of individuals with dementia, using the Korea Community Health Survey (KCHS) data in 2017. A binomial logistic regression analysis was performed to identify demographic, socioeconomic, and health status factors associated with health checkups and cancer screening participation among family caregivers of individuals with dementia. Results: The health checkups and cancer screening rates among family caregivers of individuals with dementia patients were 68.7% and 61.4%, respectively, which were significantly lower than those who do not provide care. Those with lower education level had lower odds ratios for both health checkups(OR: 0.60) and cancer screening(OR: 0.59). In addition, symptoms of depression were associated with lower participation(Health checkups OR: 0.67; Cancer screening OR: 0.65). Conclusions: It is needed to develop more targeted disease prevention and management strategies for family caregivers of individuals with dementia, particularly those with lower education level and symptoms of depression.