Elderly caregivers of the elderly: frailty, loneliness and depressive symptoms

Author(s)

dos Santos-Orlandi, Arlene Angelini ^[1] ; Brigola, Allan Gustavo ^[1] ; Ottaviani, Ana Carolina ^[1] ; Luchesi, Bruna Moretti ^[1] ; Souza, Erica Nestor ^[1] ; de Moura, Fernanda Gomez ^[1] ; Zacarin, Juliana de Fatima ^[1] ; Terassi, Marielli ^[1] ; de Oliveira, Nathalia Alves ^[1] ; Iost Pavarini, Sofia Cristina ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Fed Sao Carlos, Sao Carlos, SP - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Revista Brasileira de Enfermagem; v. 72, n. 2, p. 88-96, 2019.
• Web of Science Citations: 0

Abstract

Objective: to investigate the association between frailty, loneliness and depressive symptoms of elderly caregivers. Method: a cross - sectional study carried out with 341 elderly caregivers enrolled in Family Health Units of a city in the countryside of Sao Paulo State. The interviews were domiciliary and included questionnaire for characterization of the caregiver, Fried's frailty phenotype, family APGAR (family functionality), Geriatric Depression Scale (depressive symptoms) and item 3 of the Herth Hope Scale (loneliness). Logistic regression was used to analyze the association between depressive symptoms and solitude (independent variables), and frailty and pre-frailty (dependent variables). Results: there was an association between frailty, loneliness and depressive symptoms. Elderly caregivers had increased odds of 158% presenting pre-frailty, and 360% of frailty. Elderly caregivers with depressive symptoms had an increased chance of 242% of presenting fragility. Conclusion:elderly and lonely caregivers with depressive symptoms are more likely to be frail and pre-frail. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 17/04129-9 - Social support, care and cognition in a study addressing elderly caregivers
• Grantee: Sofia Cristina Iost Pavarini
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants