Abstract
Background
Unique experiences, for example, trauma, of women veteran caregivers may create differences
in the caregiving experience and may be associated with health concerns. We examined
caregiving factors and health concerns in women veteran caregivers compared to non-veteran
women (civilian) caregivers, and identified variables associated with being a woman
veteran caregiver.
Methods
We conducted secondary data analyses using data from a multistate survey to examine
sociodemographics, the caregiver experience (relationship to recipient, duration as
caregiver, hours of care provided, area help is needed, and greatest difficulty faced
as a caregiver); emotional support; life satisfaction; lifestyle behaviors; general,
physical, and mental health; and chronic conditions in women informal caregivers.
Findings
Of women caregivers, more veteran caregivers provided activities of daily living (ADL)
help (33%) than non-veteran caregivers (21%; p = .02). There were no differences in years as a caregiver, hours of care provided,
or the relationship to the recipient. Poor sleep and poor mental health were experienced
by more women veteran caregivers (vs. non-veteran), but physical health, general health,
and chronic condition prevalence did not differ. Women veteran caregivers had twofold
greater odds of being Black, never married, college educated, and providing ADL assistance.
Odds of obesity were lower for women veteran caregivers relative to other women caregivers.
Conclusions
Women veteran caregivers experience health concerns, including sleeplessness, poor
mental health, and some chronic conditions. Our cohort were young women, yet had concerns
that may be exacerbated by being a veteran and assuming a caregiver role. Comprehensive
services to support their needs as veteran patients and as caregivers are needed.
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Biography
Sherri L. LaVela, PhD, MPH, MBA, is a Research Health Scientist at the Hines VA Hospital and Research Assistant Professor in the Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University, Chicago. Her research interests include access to and equitable delivery of patient-centered care and patient-reported outcomes in vulnerable populations.
Biography
Bella Etingen, MA, is a Health Science Specialist at the Hines VA Hospital, with an interest in health outcomes for individuals who have experienced trauma.
Biography
Theresa Louise-Bender Pape, DrPH, MA, CCC-SLP/L, is a Research Health Scientist at the Hines VA Hospital and is a site lead for the VA Women’s Health Research Network; she holds an academic appointment in the Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, in the Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University, Chicago. Her research interests include traumatic brain injury, chronic conditions, and women’s health.
Article info
Publication history
Accepted:
April 4,
2013
Received in revised form:
April 3,
2013
Received:
September 24,
2012
Footnotes
Supported by the Veterans Health Administration Health Services Research and Development Service (HSR&D). None of the authors have a financial or other relationship that might signify a conflict of interest.
Identification
Copyright
Published by Elsevier Inc.
