[Assessing the health of working informal caregivers : Analysis of an employment survey using propensity score matching].

BACKGROUND

The majority of people in need of care in Germany are cared for at home by relatives or other close individuals. Many informal caregivers are also in paid employment and face the challenge of juggling the demands of both areas of life. This can adversely affect the caregiver's own health.

OBJECTIVES

(1) To what extent is informal caregiving related to health complaints among people in paid employment? (2) Within the group of working caregivers, how are the amounts of informal care and work related to health complaints?

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This secondary data analysis is based on the BIBB/BAuA employment survey 2018. To account for systematic differences between caregivers and non-caregivers in the analyses, propensity score matching was applied.

RESULTS

Working caregivers more frequently experience psychosomatic and physical complaints compared to people in paid employment without caregiving responsibilities. The working hours and the extent of caregiving are interrelated and a high burden in both areas of life is associated with poorer health.

CONCLUSION

People who provide informal care in addition to their work are often burdened with health problems. Targeted health promotion interventions are therefore necessary to support this vulnerable group and improve their health.