The Effects of Caregiving on Women's Self-Assessed Health Status: An International Comparison

Abstract

To compare the self-assessed health status (SAHS) of female caregivers of older adults across the United States (N = 1,496), China (N = 485), and the United Kingdom (N = 252), data from three data sets were analyzed to isolate significant predictors of SAHS using an adapted meta-analytic technique. Higher income and full-time employment were predictors of higher SAHS; chronic health condition and emotional strain predicted lower SAHS. Female gender was a predictor of lower SAHS. The health status of women was negatively impacted by the caregiving experience. National policies, such as those in the United Kingdom, may result in higher SAHS for women caregivers.

Evaluation of self-rated health – information on patients’ unmet needs?

“…The level of education can be connected with unhealthy behaviour, as shown in other studies (24). Associations of lower education and economic status on the self-assessment of health and negative prediction of chronic diseases on the self-rating of health were also found in other studies (25,26). Several similar studies used quality of life as an outcome.…”

Women's self‐management of chronic illnesses in the context of caregiving: a grounded theory study

“…Women are also the caregivers of dependent people (Arnsberger et al . ). In Spain 75% of caregivers of disabled persons and 60% of caregivers of elderly dependent persons are women (IMSERSO ).…”

“…Throughout the world women live longer but with poorer quality of life and with a heavier burden of morbidity. Women are also the caregivers of dependent people (Arnsberger et al 2012). In Spain 75% of caregivers of disabled persons and 60% of caregivers of elderly dependent persons are women (IMSERSO 2005).…”

“…The help given by women is greater in time and effort than that provided by men, this difference entails worse physical health for women and generates gender health inequalities (Larrañaga et al 2008). Caregivers are more prone to have chronic illness than non-caregivers and they devote less time to their own personal care (Tommis et al 2009, Arnsberger et al 2012, entailing a higher risk to their health (Jowsey et al 2013). Caregivers experience levels of distress comparable to that of their sick relatives but receive less attention and support than them (Davis-Ali et al 1993).…”

“…There is a disproportionate incidence of chronic disease and disability among women caregivers (Arnsberger et al 2012) and their poor health may result, among other conditions, from the aggravation of their chronic illness (Pinquart & Sorensen 2007). Caregivers with chronic conditions are vulnerable, with time they experience a decline in their physical health as they neglect their own health because of the caregiving responsibilities and the need to continue with their role as caregivers (Tommis et al 2009).…”