Associations between occupational balance, subjective health, and well-being of informal caregivers of older persons based on a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Objectives: Population ageing leads to a noticeable increase in demand for informal care. Informal caregivers experience high caregiver burden, such as restricted subjective health and well-being. Occupational balance is associated with subjective health and well-being. However, associations between occupational balance and subjective health and well-being of informal caregivers of older persons have not been investigated yet. Thus, the objective of this study was to explore associations between occupational balance and subjective health and well-being of informal caregivers of older persons.

Methods: From September 2016 to July 2020, a cross-sectional multicenter study design was employed in Austria. Informal caregivers' occupational balance, subjective health, and well-being as well as comorbidity of persons to be cared for were assessed with seven self-reported questionnaires. Spearman's rank correlation coefficients r_s were calculated to determine associations between occupational balance and subjective health and well-being of informal caregivers of older persons.

Results: In total 118 informal caregivers, 102 (86%) female, and their persons to be cared for, 70 (59%) female, were considered for analyses. Median age was 58 years for informal caregivers and 81 years for persons to be cared for. Informal caregivers reported restrictions in occupational balance, subjective health, and well-being. Persons to be cared for showed comorbid health conditions. Significant associations between occupational balance and determinants of subjective health and well-being were identified (r_s - 0.30 - 0.69; p ≤ 0.01).

Conclusions: As population ageing and the demand for informal care progress, efforts to support informal caregivers and to strengthen their occupational balance, subjective health and well-being are vital.