The mental health of informal caregivers in Ontario: An epidemiological survey

J.J. Cochrane, P.N. Goering and J.M. Rogers

American Journal of Public Health, 1997, vol. 87, issue 12, 2002-2007

Abstract: Objectives. This study describes the mental health status, disabilities, physical health and mental health service utilization of informal caregivers under the age of 65 in the province of Ontario. Methods. The study analyzed data collected in the 1991 province-wide, population based mental health supplement to the Ontario Health Survey Diagnoses from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mentals Disorders, 3rd edition revised, were generated on the basis of a structured diagnostic interview. Caregivers and noncaregivers are compared here or past-year prevalence of psychiatric disorder, physical illness, disability, and utilization of mental health services. The possible confounding effects of age, sex, employment status, and economic disadvantages are explored. Results. Informal caregivers (n = 121.9) constituted 15.0% of the sample. Caregivers had higher rates of effective (6.3% vs. 4.2%) and anxiety (17.5% vs 10.9%) disorders than noncaregivers and used health services for mental health problems at nearly twice the rate. Conclusions. Documentation of the prevalence of caregiving and the increased prevalence of psychiatric disorders, disability, and service utilization among caregivers is of critical importance as governments continue to move toward community based care. To accomplish this goal, the needs of caregivers must be acknowledged and met by the establishment of appropriate and readily accessible support services.

Date: 1997
References: Add references at CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

There are no downloads for this item, see the EconPapers FAQ for hints about obtaining it.

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:aph:ajpbhl:1997:87:12:2002-2007_5

Access Statistics for this article

American Journal of Public Health is currently edited by Alfredo Morabia

More articles in American Journal of Public Health from American Public Health Association
Bibliographic data for series maintained by Christopher F Baum ().