Factors Associated with Marital Satisfaction and Quality of Life in Family Caregivers of Patients with Mental Disorders

Abstract

(1) Background: The aim of this research was to analyze factors associated with quality of life (QoL) and marital satisfaction in married family caregivers of patients with mental disorders. (2) Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in all community mental health services in Goiania municipality, Brazil, in 2016–2017. Married family caregivers of patients with severe and persistent mental disorders were recruited and their QoL and marital satisfaction was assessed by using the World Health Organization Quality of Life Instrument Abbreviated version (WHOQOL-BREF) and Marital Satisfaction Scale. Multiple linear regressions were performed to identify factors associated with QoL and marital satisfaction. (3) Results: For 163 family caregivers, the psychological and environmental QoL domains presented the best and the worst scores, respectively. Factors independently associated with better QoL for caregivers were male caregiver, the younger age of a caregiver, >8 years of schooling, ≥5 years as a caregiver who performed physical activities, caregiver without chronic disease, and no patient’s crisis in the last 30 days. Factors independently associated with marital satisfaction of the caregiver were male caregiver, caregiver with >8 years of schooling, caregiver who received support by relatives to care for the patient, caregiver who performed physical activities, no patient’s crisis in the last 30 days, and patient hospitalization in the last six months; (4) Conclusions: The main predictor for marital satisfaction was support by relatives, and for QoL it was no patient’s crisis in the last 30 days.

Improving the Quality of Life of Family Caregivers of People with Alzheimer’s Disease through Virtual Communities of Practice: A Quasiexperimental Study

“…With reference to the characteristics of caring, previous literature indicates that the longer a caregiver remains in his or her role, the more likely negative outcomes are to occur [ 33 ]. In addition, literature suggests that hours spent offering care have a significant relationship with the QoL of chronic illness caregivers [ 34 ]. Aligned with the literature, within our study, we noted a negative correlation between “length of caring” and psychological and social domain of QoL.…”

Care-giver wellbeing: exploring gender, relationship-to-care-recipient and care-giving demands in the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging

“…Some research supports this view, finding older care-givers report worse mental wellbeing (De Fazio et al ., 2015; Lou et al ., 2015; Sambasivam et al , 2019). However, older care-givers to those with dementia in some studies report better mental wellbeing (Nogueira et al , 2019; Rigby et al ., 2019; Sambasivam et al ., 2019). Furthermore, Blanchflower and Oswald (2008) reveal wellbeing to be U-shaped over the lifecourse, with middle-age a low point.…”

“…Much research has been devoted to gender comparisons among family care-givers and many studies document the disadvantaged position of women care-givers compared with men in relation to depression and life satisfaction (Hoe et al ., 2007; Rio-Logaro et al ., 2013). Some, though, report no gender differences (Poysti et al ., 2012; Nogueira et al ., 2019). The differences, where found, are often explained in terms of care-giving as an expected role for women who provide more care, more hands-on care, more complex care and more intensive care than men (Pinquart and Sörensen, 2006).…”

Impact of physiotherapy with telerehabilitation on caregivers of patients with neurological disorders: A systematic review protocol

“…The burden varies according to the needs of patients (Dixe et al, 2019 ) and may lead to acute and chronic physical disorders, isolation, depression, financial distress, and self-blame (Abreu Paiva et al, 2019 ). Moreover, they may present difficult intra-family relationships, economic impairments due to social stigma, and an increased probability of physical suffering (Nogueira et al, 2019 ). These caregivers are not considered professionals and receive limited training regarding basic care for patients with disabilities; (Chiao et al, 2015 ) therefore, they may experience intense burden, depression, pain, and low aerobic endurance compared with formal caregivers (Llach et al, 2004 ; Gusi et al, 2009 ; Farran et al, 2016 ).…”