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Self-Perceived Health, Comorbidity, and Burden Among Older Family Caregivers of Seniors with Severe Mental Disorders: A Cross-Sectional Study

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: The global aging process has increased the number of older individuals providing care for relatives with severe mental disorders (SMD). This population faces unique health challenges. The present cross-sectional study examined the relationship between self-perceived health (SPH) and clinical, functional, and sociodemographic variables among 71 older caregivers (median age: 65 years) in Bogotá, Colombia. SPH was assessed by answering the question: “How would you describe your overall health status?” and dichotomized into good versus poor perception. Comorbidity was measured as the number of self-reported chronic conditions. Caregiver burden was evaluated using the Zarit Caregiver Burden Interview, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) was assessed using the SF-36, including dimensions such as physical functioning, emotional well-being, bodily pain, and general health. Descriptive analyses, non-parametric comparisons, and logistic regression models were conducted. The results revealed a marked feminization of caregiving (92.96%) and a high prevalence of good SPH (70.42%), despite a substantial burden of physical comorbidities (mean: 3.21). Dimensions such as physical functioning, emotional well-being, and pain were significant in univariate analyses. However, the multivariate model identified general health as the only independent predictor of good SPH (adjusted odds ratio [OR]: 1.112; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.053–1.174; p < 0.001). These findings suggest that subjective health assessment may transcend objective disease counts for older caregivers. Public health policies could prioritize wellness-based interventions and emotional support over traditional disease-centered approaches to improve the quality of life of this growing, active, socially valuable, yet vulnerable population.

Source: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

DOI: 10.3390/ijerph23050544

Authors: Ana Carolina Gama, Claudia Marcela Chimbí, Margarita María Benito Cuadrado, Jose Manuel Santacruz Escudero, Cecilia de Santacruz, Diego Andrés Chavarro-Carvajal

Institutions: Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Hospital Universitario San Ignacio

Language: English

Topic: Family Caregiving in Mental Illness

Subfield: Clinical Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,016