DOI
https://doi.org/10.25772/PEP9-KF70
Defense Date
2021
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy
Department
Health Related Sciences
First Advisor
Jessica Mittler, PhD
Second Advisor
Laurie Cathers, PhD
Third Advisor
Cindy Watts, PhD
Fourth Advisor
Tracey Gendron, PhD
Abstract
While U.S. public policy and research has focused on the health needs of the aging population, less attention has been given to the consequences informal caregivers face caring for this generation. With the segment of the population aged 65 years or older growing rapidly, it is important to understand the factors that place informal caregivers at risk for poor health outcomes and health behaviors. Since multigeneration caregivers balance more personal, work, and caregiving demands than single-generation informal caregivers of older adults, they may be at higher risk for poor health outcomes. The aim of this study was to examine the association between multigeneration caregiving and informal caregivers’ physical and psychological health and health behaviors.
This study was a retrospective, observational, pooled cross-sectional study examining the association between multigeneration caregiving and health outcomes or health behaviors of informal caregivers using secondary data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey (BRFSS). Study results indicated that multigeneration caregivers experience higher rates of depression and report lower incidence of attending annual check-ups with a physician compared to single generation caregivers of older adults. These findings are important for current legislation and policy aimed at improving LTSS for the rapidly growing population of older adults in the United States. Public health experts, policy makers, health services researchers, and others should use the results of this study to help narrow the focus of the examination of caregivers of older adults health and health behaviors.
Rights
© The Author
Is Part Of
VCU University Archives
Is Part Of
VCU Theses and Dissertations
Date of Submission
5-3-2021