Citation

McAllister S, Derrett S, Audas R, Paul C. Australas. epidemiol. 2012; 19(2): 22.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2012, Australasian Epidemiological Association)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Background: Little is known about the effect on informal carers of caring for injured people. The aim of this paper is to identify characteristics of injured individuals and carers associated with poorer carer well-being. Methods: This study was embedded within a New Zealand cohort study of injured individuals aged 18-64 years. Carers of injured people whose independence was affected 12 months after injury, were eligible. Information was collected about carer demographics, health and work before caring, Bakas Caregiving Outcomes Scale (BCOS), and Personal Well-being Index (PWI). Results: Mean BCOS (53.5/105) and PWI (66.1/100) scores indicated low carer well-being. Anxiety or depression among the injured, and threat of long-term disability at the time of injury were associated with lower carer well-being. Female carers, and those with poor pre-caring health, had significantly lower well-being. Conclusions: Early recognition of characteristics in the injured person, and their carer, may lead to interventions to improve well-being among carers.

Language: en