Adult informal caregivers reporting financial burden in Hawaii, Kansas, and Washington: Results from the 2007 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System

Abstract Background Given the unpaid nature of the work, informal caregiving can create a financial burden for caregivers. Little has been done to identify specific predictors of experiencing financial burden. This study investigated demographic and health factors comparing caregivers who reported h...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Disability and health journal 2011-10, Vol.4 (4), p.229-237
Main Authors: Kusano, Claudia T., M.P.H, Bouldin, Erin D., M.P.H, Anderson, Lynda A., Ph.D, McGuire, Lisa C., Ph.D, Salvail, Florentina R., M.Sc, Simmons, Katrina Wynkoop, Ph.D, Andresen, Elena M., Ph.D
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adolescent
Adult
Age Factors
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System
Care recipients
Caregivers - economics
Child
Child, Preschool
Cost of Illness
Disability
Disabled Persons
Female
Hawaii
Health behaviors
Health Status
Humans
Income
Infant
Internal Medicine
Kansas
Male
Middle Aged
Residence Characteristics
Risk factors
Social Support
Stressors
Washington
Young Adult
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Summary:Abstract Background Given the unpaid nature of the work, informal caregiving can create a financial burden for caregivers. Little has been done to identify specific predictors of experiencing financial burden. This study investigated demographic and health factors comparing caregivers who reported having or not having financial burden. Methods Data are derived from adult caregivers (N = 3,317) as part of the 2007 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System in Hawaii, Kansas, and Washington. The adjusted odds ratios for reporting a financial burden were estimated for demographic and other risk factors. Results Caregivers who reported a financial burden were younger, had lower incomes, were more likely to be current smokers, have had a stroke, and rate their health as fair or poor compared to caregivers who did not report a financial burden. Caregivers who were younger (ages 18-34), resided with care recipients, spent 20-39 hours per week providing care, and reported having a disability were at a statistically significantly higher odds of reporting a financial burden. Conclusions/Implications Given the current economic difficulties faced by many Americans, further insights into the perceived financial burdens experienced by informal caregivers as well as linkages to policy and programs designed to support caregivers are critical for public health professionals to address the expanding needs in states and communities.
ISSN:1936-6574
1876-7583
DOI:10.1016/j.dhjo.2011.08.001