8287316 Health-related quality of life and work ability of caregivers: a cross-sectional study in a developing country

<h3>Objectives</h3> To examine the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and work ability (WA) of both formal and informal caregivers, and to identify associated factors. <h3>Material and Methods</h3> This cross-sectional study was carried out in a medium-sized city located in the interior of São Paulo State, Brazil, and included 97 formal and 91 informal caregivers. Differences between the two groups were analyzed using Mann-Whitney U and chi-square tests. Two logistic regression models were applied to explore factors associated with the outcomes - namely, poor HRQoL and poor WA. One model followed a two-level hierarchical structure, while the other focused on the relationship between caregiver burden and social support in relation to the outcomes. <h3>Results</h3> Informal caregivers reported significantly higher levels of burden (p=0.001), lower levels of social support (p=0.002), and worse HRQoL (p=0.014) and WA (p=0.001) compared to formal caregivers. The number of daily caregiving hours was positively associated with both outcomes (HRQoL: OR 1.057, 1.006-1.111; WA: OR 1.079, 1.018-1.143), whereas good physical fitness showed an inverse association (HRQoL: OR 0.275, 0.140-0.543; WA: OR 0.257, 0.116-0.570). Moderate and severe levels of caregiver burden exhibited a strong positive dose-response relationship with both outcomes (HRQoL: OR 5.908, 2.613-13.362; OR 12.502, 4.677-33.424; WA: OR 6.358, 2.677-15.096; OR 21.829, 8.174-58.295). Conversely, higher levels of social support were inversely associated with poor HRQoL and WA (HRQoL: OR 0.666, 0.462-0.960; WA: OR 0.565, 0.384-0.832). <h3>Conclusion</h3> Informal caregivers face greater challenges related to caregiver burden, limited social support, diminished HRQoL, and reduced WA. Strategies aimed at alleviating burden, enhancing social support, and promoting physical fitness are essential to improve the well-being and functioning of this workforce.