Factors associated with impaired quality of life of family caregivers of older adults with dementia

Abstract Objective to analyze factors associated with impaired quality of life (QoL) of family caregivers of older adults with dementia. Methods A cross-sectional analytical study was carried out in the north of Minas Gerais state, in the second half of 2019. Demographic, socioeconomic, clinical and care-related variables were evaluated. Quality of life was measured by the 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-12). Bivariate analyses, followed by hierarchical binary logistic regression, were performed. Results 436 caregivers were assessed. The sample comprised 88.1% women, and participants had a mean age of 47.3 years. In relation to the physical component, impaired QoL in caregivers was associated with age ≥60 years (OR=2.48), female gender (OR=2.81), overweight (OR=2.13), obesity (OR=2.22), negative perceived health (OR=2.55), low general quality of health (OR=2.10) and insomnia (OR=2.72). In relation to the mental component, impaired QoL was associated with having another occupation besides caring (OR=1.78), longer time dedicated to caring (OR=1.89), negative perceived health (OR=3.38), low general quality of health (OR=2.15) and depression (OR=2.51). Conclusion Most of the variables associated with impaired quality of life were modifiable, pointing to the need for health promotion programs for these family caregivers.