Prevalência de fatores associados à sobrecarga de cuidadores informais de pessoas idosas residentes de uma região de baixa renda

With population aging, the number of dependent elderly individuals is increasing, making the presence of informal caregivers increasingly common. Therefore, it is essential to study this group to ensure the well-being of both, the caregiver and the elderly person. This study aimed to analyze sociodemographic factors and care-related aspects associated with the burden on informal caregivers of older adults in a low-income region. This is a cross-sectional descriptive study conducted in the area covered by São Camilo`s Primary Healthcare Unit (Unidade Básica de Saúde – UBS, in portuguese), in Jundiaí. Data collection took place through previously scheduled home visits or at the UBS itself. Statistical analyses were performed using Student’s t-test, ANOVA, and Chi-square test, with a significance level of 0.05, using SPSS version 21.0. Nineteen caregivers and nineteen elderly individuals participated. Most caregivers were female, married, literate, and had an income of up to two minimum wages. The elderly were mostly female, illiterate, and with low income. The mean age of the caregivers was 52 years (±12.18), with an average of 8 years of schooling (±4.42). Among the elderly, the mean age was 81 years (±6.58), with an average of 1 year of education (±2.48). The median score on the caregiver burden inventory was 28 points. A significant association was found between a smaller support network for the elderly and a higher caregiver burden (p=0.011), as well as between dependence in instrumental activities of daily living (p=0.05) and lower MMSE scores (p=0.04). It is concluded that caregiver burden is greater when elderly individuals present cognitive decline and functional dependence.