Sociodemographic Features and Mental Health Among Elderly Informal Caregivers:A Cross-Sectional Survey

Population aging and informal caregiver support are becoming a major  concern in LAMIC. The present study was performed in social unprivilleged areas of westbound of São Paulo-Brazil with 13% of territory consisting in shantytowns. Aims were describing sociodemographic profile, common mental disorders and burden on informal caregivers and general profile of elderly population in need of caregiving. The main hypothesis was  to investigate association between sociodemographic profiles and common mental disorders(CMD) and burden using SRQ-20 and Zarit Caregiver Burden Scale.Initial sample calculation was based on dementia prevalence, reaching 2000 elders (CI 95% 4-6)

Households interviews were performed in primary care-covered catchment area.Sample size was of 588 caregivers with 16 years or above and respective elders with 65 years or above.Written informed consent  was obtained.

Mean age of caregivers was 49,8 years (sd=.599 .,CI 95%).Female gender was proeminent (82,65%). Daughters were the main elderly caregivers (58,8%). 59,8% of the female sample reached threshold  for CMD (p=0,000) and 35% high level of burden (p=0,001). Association between CMD and high burden reached statistical significance (Pearson chi2=58,98 p=0,000). 16% of elderly sample filled diagnosis of DSM-IV dementia, 9,9% of ICD-10 major depression and 39,3% of CMD. Dementia was predictor of CMD and high burden among caregivers (p=0,001).

Findings suggest that caregivers should be considered as a risk population for mental health and worsening of quality of elderly care. Early needs assessment, treatment and logistic support  for informal caregivers in areas of social deprivation should be aims of health and social security policies in LAMIC.