A high sense of coherence protects from the burden of caregiving in older spousal caregivers.
(2018) Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics — Vol. 75, p. 76-82 (2018)
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Degryse, Jean-Marie 
- Abstract
- (en) OBJECTIVES: Caregiving is often associated with burden and chronic stress. Sense of coherence (SOC) may help the caregivers in coping with their stress and was identified as a positive factor for health outcomes and quality of life. We aimed to study the links between SOC, burden, depression and positive affects among caregivers of frail older patients. METHODS: Seventy-nine spousal caregivers were recruited via the geriatric outpatient clinic. DATA COLLECTED: Zarit Burden Inventory, SOC-13, Geriatric Depression Scale, Caregiver Reaction Assessment (CRA), sleep, time of supervision, Katz Index, Global Deterioration Scale and Neuropsychiatric Inventory. ANALYSES: Caregiver's characteristics were analyzed by burden severity and SOC level. Multivariable logistic regressions were used in order to identify the variable that best predict caregiver burden and high SOC. RESULTS: The mean age was 79.4±5.3; 53% were women. Among care-recipient, 82% had cognitive impairment and the median Katz Index was 3. Caregivers with a high SOC and an older age reported a lower burden (Odds Ratio (OR) 0.18, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.04-0.65 and OR 0.87, 95% CI 0.76-0.98, respectively). A higher burden was associated with patient functional limitations (OR 8.69, 95% CI 2.28-40.46). DISCUSSION: Having a high sense of coherence seems to be a protective factor against the burden. To support caregivers, health providers should recognize the expertise of the caregivers and the meaningfulness of this care situation.
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Citations
Potier, F., Degryse, J.-M., Henrard, S., Aubouy, G., & de Saint Hubert, M. (2018). A high sense of coherence protects from the burden of caregiving in older spousal caregivers. Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics, 75, 76-82. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.archger.2017.11.013 (Original work published 2018)