Informal care and health among older Russian-speaking migrants in Finland: a population-based study

Abstract Background Due to population ageing the number of older caregivers is increasing. Earlier studies have shown that informal caregiving is associated with poorer health; however, there is less evidence among older migrants. Particularly representative studies in specific migrant groups are lacking. The aim of this study was to investigate the associations between informal caregiving and health in older Russian-speaking migrants in Finland. Methods Data were analysed from the Care, Health and Ageing of Russian-speaking Minority in Finland (CHARM) study, a nationally representative sample of community-dwelling Russian-speaking adults aged 50 years or older living in Finland. Postal and online survey data were collected in 2019 (Wave 1; N = 1082, 57% men, mean age 63.2 years, response rate 36%) and 2022 (Wave 2, N = 724). Health outcomes were self-rated health (SRH) and depressive symptoms (the Center of Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, CES-D). OLS and logistic regression analyses were used to investigate the associations between informal caregiving and health. The analyses were adjusted for age, sex, education and marital status, and were conducted using weights to account for the survey design and non-response. Results In total, 10.4% of sample identified themselves as informal caregivers, and the mean hours of caregiving per week were 28.7. Adjusted analyses showed cross-sectional but no prospective associations between informal caregiving and poor SRH and more depressive symptoms. Conclusions Further longitudinal studies are needed to investigate the association between informal caregiving and health in older migrant populations. In health and social care, early identification of those older migrants who have particularly more intensive caregiving responsibilities would be important, so that their health could be supported. Key messages • Early identification of those older migrants who have intense caregiving responsibilities would be important, so that their health could be supported. • Further longitudinal studies are needed to investigate the association between informal caregiving and health in different older migrant populations.