Intergenerational Solidarity and Being Primary Caregiver for Older Parents in Chinese American Families: Findings From PIETY Study.

INTRODUCTION

Guided by the intergenerational solidarity theory, this study examined how different dimension of intergenerational solidarity of adult children associated with their choice of being a primary caregiver for aging parents in the Chinese American families.

METHODOLOGY

Secondary data from PIETY study were used. Logistic regressions were conducted to examine the relationships between each dimension of intergenerational solidarity and the likelihood of being a primary caregiver to mother or father.

RESULTS

Associational solidarity (odds ratio [] = 1.31, for father, = 1.27, for mother), normative solidarity ( = 1.06, for both father and mother), and structural solidarity ( = 0.95, for father, = 0.64, for mother) were significant associates of high chances of being primary caregivers for older parents.

DISCUSSION

Results from this study confirmed the importance of cultural construct of solidarity in caregiving choice. Practice implications for health care professionals, in particular the nurses were discussed.