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Influence of Caregiving on Lifestyle and Psychosocial Risk Factors Among Family Members of Patients Hospitalized with Cardiovascular Disease

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Abstract

Background

Few data have evaluated the relationship between caregiving and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and predictors of caregiver strain and to evaluate the association between caregiving and CVD lifestyle and psychosocial risk factors among family members of recently hospitalized CVD patients.

Design and Participants

Participants in the NHLBI Family Intervention Trial for Heart Health (FIT Heart) who completed a 6-month follow-up were included in this analysis (n = 263; mean age 50 ± 14 years, 67% female, 29% non-white).

Measurements

At 6 months, standardized information was collected regarding depression, social support, and caregiver strain (high caregiver strain = ≥7). Information on lifestyle risk factors, including obesity, physical activity, and diet, were also collected using standardized questionnaires. Logistic regression models on the association between caregiving and CVD risk factors were adjusted for significant confounders.

Results

The prevalence of serving as a CVD patient’s primary caregiver or caring for the patient most of the time was 50% at 6 months. Caregivers (primary/most) were more likely to be women (81% vs 19%, p < .01), married/living with someone (p < .01), >50 years old (p < .01), have ≤ high school education (p < .01), be unemployed (p < .01), get less physical activity (p < .01), and have a higher waist circumference (p < .01) than non-caregivers (some/occasional/none). Mean caregiver strain scores were significantly higher among those with depressive symptoms (p < .01) and low social support (p < .01) in a multivariable adjusted model.

Conclusions

Caregivers of cardiac patients may be at increased risk themselves for CVD morbidity and mortality compared to non-caregivers due to suboptimal lifestyle and psychosocial risk factors.

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Acknowledgements

This study was funded by a National Institute of Health (NIH) Research Project Award to Dr. Mosca (R01 HL 075101-01A1). This work was supported in part by the NIH-funded General Clinical Research Center at Columbia University, a NIH Research Career Award to Dr. Mosca (K24 HL076346-01A1), and a NIH research training grant to Drs. Aggarwal and Christian (T32 HL007343-27).

Conflict of Interest

None disclosed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA

    Brooke Aggarwal EdD, MS, Ming Liao BS, Allison Christian EdD & Lori Mosca MD, PhD

Authors
  1. Brooke Aggarwal EdD, MS
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  2. Ming Liao BS
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  3. Allison Christian EdD
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  4. Lori Mosca MD, PhD
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Lori Mosca MD, PhD.

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Aggarwal, B., Liao, M., Christian, A. et al. Influence of Caregiving on Lifestyle and Psychosocial Risk Factors Among Family Members of Patients Hospitalized with Cardiovascular Disease. J GEN INTERN MED 24, 93–98 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11606-008-0852-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11606-008-0852-1

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