Sobrecarga do idoso cuidador e nível de fragilidade do idoso cuidado: uma comparação em contexto de alta vulnerabilidade social

Abstract

Introduction: Frail older people with functional impairments may require a caregiver, a role usually performed by a family member. Given changes in family dynamics, there is a noticeable increase in older people caring for other older people, who may feel burdened, especially in contexts of high social vulnerability. Objective: To compare the burden among older caregivers, considering the presence or absence of frailty in older care recipients in a context of high social vulnerability. Method: This observational, cross-sectional, and quantitative study was extracted from a larger research project involving 96 older participants divided into caregivers (n=48) and care recipients (n=48). All participants were associated with Family Health Units located in areas of high social vulnerability in São Carlos, SP. Data collection took place at participants' homes using a questionnaire to characterize the sociodemographic profile of older caregivers and the context of care, Fried's Frailty Phenotype, and the Zarit burden interview. Descriptive analyses were conducted, and the Mann-Whitney and Pearson's Chi-Square tests were applied, with a significance level of 5% (p<0.05). The study followed the ethical guidelines established by the National Health Council. Results: Among the care recipients, 52.08% were classified as frail, with reduced physical activity (75.00%) and decreased hand grip strength (54.17%) being the most prevalent criteria. Regarding the caregivers, 50.00% experienced mild burden, 35.42% moderate burden, 10.42% moderate to severe burden, and 4.16% severe burden. The mean total burden score was 23.88±16.48 points. Caregivers of frail older people had a higher mean total burden score (27.96±17.75) compared to caregivers of non-frail older people (19.43±14.03). However, no statistically significant differences were identified (p=0.109). Conclusion: Older caregivers of frail older people did not exhibit significantly higher burden compared to those caring for non-frail older people in a context of high social vulnerability.