Qualidade de vida de cuidadores não remunerados de pessoas idosas que vivem com demência: estudo iSupport-Brasil

Abstract

Introduction: The prevalence of dementia among the older adults has been rising considerably in recent years. Studies indicate that dementia affects not only themselves and society but also unpaid caregivers, who are frequently exposed to stressors that can contribute to a decline in their Quality of Life (QoL). Objective: To analyze factors related to the quality of life of unpaid caregivers of older adults living with dementia. Method: This was a cross-sectional study with an analytical and quantitative approach, using non-probabilistic, purposive sampling and conducted online. The sample consisted of 61 unpaid caregivers of older adults living with dementia (Ascertain Dementia Interview - AD8 ≥2); participants were aged 18 or older, had been providing care for at least six months at the time of recruitment, and had access to an internet-connected smartphone, computer, or tablet. Data collection took place between January 13, 2023, and October 4, 2023, via an electronic questionnaire made available during that period. The following instruments were used for data collection: Initial Assessment Questionnaire (sociodemographic and caregiving profile); Single-Item Burden Scale (S01) and Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI) to assess caregiver burden; Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) to assess depressive and anxiety symptoms; and Quality of Life – Alzheimer's Disease (QoL-AD) to assess quality of life. A significance level of 5% was adopted, and all ethical principles were observed. Results: Duration of caregiving, depressive symptoms, and caregiver burden were the main factors associated with quality of life. Individuals with less than one year of caregiving experience showed a QoL-AD score 18.4% lower than those with one to three years of experience (p=0.027). Participants with possible or probable depression showed a 23.5% reduction in QoL-AD scores compared to those classified as unlikely to have depression (p<0.001). Regarding caregiver burden, those with mild or moderate levels achieved QoL-AD scores 32% to 33% higher than those with severe burden (p=0.027 and p=0.002, respectively). Conclusion: The results of this study highlight the need for strategies aimed at the early screening of depressive symptoms and caregiver burden among those caring for older adults with dementia, as well as the importance of systematic monitoring—especially from the onset of the caregiving experience—through the implementation of targeted interventions in the fields of gerontology and healthcare.