Comparing dementia caregivers and healthy controls in mental health and health related quality of life in Cali, Colombia

Authors

  • Brenna Posner Virginia Commonwealth University
  • Megan Sutter Virginia Commonwealth University
  • Paul B. Perrin Virginia Commonwealth University
  • Guillermo Ramirez Hoyos Alzheimer Foundation
  • Jacqueline Arabia Buraye Alzheimer Foundation
  • Juan Carlos Arango-Lasprilla IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, University of Deusto

Keywords:

Dementia caregivers, mental health, health related quality of life, Latin America

Abstract

Dementia caregivers are at risk for stress, depression, and a multitude of negative health outcomes, yet little research has examined the extent of these issues in caregivers from Latin America. The purpose of this study was to compare the mental health and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of dementia caregivers to healthy controls in Cali, Colombia. Ninety dementia caregivers and 51 healthy controls completed measures of depression, satisfaction with life, stress, and HRQOL. Although it was hypothesized that dementia caregivers would report lower levels of mental health and HRQOL than controls, caregivers only reported higher depression levels. This finding suggests that dementia caregivers in this region, even when they have access to health care, are in need of mental health services and other caregiving resources. Such interventions would likely improve the mental health of caregivers and quality of care that caregivers are able to provide for individuals facing dementia.

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Published

2014-11-05

Issue

Vol. 32, Iss. 1: Jan-Apr 2015

Section

Artículos

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