Abstract

RONDINI, Carina Alexandra et al. Analysis of quality of life and burden of female caretakers for elder people in Assis, interior of São Paulo, Brazil. Estud. pesqui. psicol. [online]. 2011, vol.11, n.3, pp. 796-820. ISSN 1808-4281.

This study aimed to draw the profile of informal caretakers in the city of Assis, SP, analyzing the relationships between quality of life (QL) and burden rates (BR) due to the care tasks. It is a Sample Study of the traverse type, in which 165 female informal caretakers, above 18 years old, residents in the urban area were interviewed through a structured questionnaire and standardized scales. We observed that the caretakers of our sample do not fell themselves too much burdened and, yet they present reasonable indexes of quality of life. However, differences in the rates of burden and quality of life were observed when considering social markers (social class, educational level, generation and parenthood), living or not with the person who is being cared. Besides, we found a significant negative correlation between BR and QL, that is, as higher the burden perception, as lower the QL evaluation. These inequalities urge for new studies and reflections in what concerns public policies in the sense of supporting and improving home care.

Keywords : Elderly; Family Caretakers; Quality of Life; Burden.