[Impact of caring for grandchildren on the perceived health and social support of the grandmothers].

OBJECTIVE

To find out the impact on health related quality of life and social support perceived by grandmothers caring for their grandchildren part time.

DESIGN

Observational cross-sectional study.

SETTING

Semi-urban primary care health area, in the metropolitan area of Barcelona, Spain.

PARTICIPANTS

Women aged more than 55, randomised from the assigned population. Caregivers were grandmothers who took care of their grandchildren aged less than 8 years old, at least 4 hours a day, for 5 or more days a week without remuneration.

VARIABLES

Perceived health was obtained by means of an SF-12 questionnaire and social support by a Duke-UNC questionnaire. Educational level, chronic illness, and characteristics associated with the care of grandchildren were recorded.

RESULTS

Of the 129 participants, 44 were caregivers. Mean age was 62.4 (6.3) years. Social support was significantly higher in the group of caregivers than in the remainder (48.5 [40.2-53.7] vs 42.0 [36.0-47.0]; P=.006). No differences in health related quality of life between both groups were found. Perceived mental health was better when parents' work originated the need for care. Social support was greater when the parents were those who demanded the care.

CONCLUSION

Grandchildren care improves perceived social support in grandmothers and it has no effect on perceived health status.