The Impact of Caregiving Intensity and Religiosity on Spousal Caregivers' Health and Mortality in the US (2004-2014).

TitleThe Impact of Caregiving Intensity and Religiosity on Spousal Caregivers' Health and Mortality in the US (2004-2014).
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2022
AuthorsKoumoutzis, A, Mehri, N
JournalJournal of Aging and Health
Volume34
Issue4-5
Pagination640-652
ISSN Number1552-6887
Keywordscaregiver well-being, Life Expectancy, Religion
Abstract

OBJECTIVES: Despite adverse physical and mental health outcomes related to caregiving, family caregivers also experience lower mortality rates compared to noncaregivers. However, research has not yet examined the role of caregiving intensity and religiosity with health and mortality among spousal caregivers.

METHODS: Data include spousal caregivers (=5,214 person-wave observations) and noncaregivers (=50,311 person-wave observations) from the Health and Retirement Study (2004-2014 waves). Multinomial logistic regression was used to explore how caregiving intensity and religiosity were associated with health and mortality among spousal caregivers, compared health and mortality between caregivers and noncaregiving peers, and examined gender differences in these mechanisms.

RESULTS: Greater religious salience and attending religious services, although dependent on gender and caregiving intensity, are protective for caregivers' health and mortality.

DISCUSSION: Religiosity may buffer adverse effects of caregiving on health and mortality for spousal caregivers. Continuation of prior religiosity may enhance positive aspects of caregiving and decrease caregiver burden.

DOI10.1177/08982643211052725
Citation Key12225
PubMed ID35112885