BURDEN IN RURAL VERSUS URBAN FAMILY CAREGIVERS (ELDERLY).
Contributors: University of Wisconsin--Milwaukee.
Published: 1995
Number of pages: 160
Subjects: Health Sciences, Nursing.; Sociology, Individual and Family Studies.; Gerontology.
Description: Rural elders rely more exclusively on family caregivers for assistance with daily activities than elders in urban areas. Despite greater reliance on family support, little is known about the reactions of rural caregivers. The purpose of this study was to examine differences between rural and urban caregiver characteristics, social environment variables, and burden. Also, predictors of five dimensions of burden within the rural and urban groups were examined. A descriptive survey design was used. Caregivers were recruited from four geographic areas in Wisconsin: rural farms (n = 49), rural non-farms (n = 63), large cities (n = 59), and small towns (n = 61). Instruments included Medical Outcomes Survey SF-36 (Ware & Sherbourne, 1992), Functional Involvement Scale (Given et al., 1991), Personal Resource Questionnaire (Weinert, 1987), Interpersonal Relationship Inventory (Tilden, 1988), Community Service Attitude Inventory (Collins et al., 1991), and Caregiver Reaction Assessment (Given et al., 1992). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, four-group ANOVA with post-hoc analyses as needed, and hierarchical multiple regression. Rural farm caregivers reported better mental health, more informal sources of support, and less acceptance of government services. Rural non-farm caregivers reported greater involvement and more acceptance of government services. Significant predictors of four dimensions of caregiver burden varied by area of residence. The results underscore the importance of assessing these unique characteristics when tailoring health services to meet the needs of rural family caregivers.
Notes: Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 56-05, Section: B, page: 2566.

Thesis (PH.D.)--THE UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN - MILWAUKEE, 1995.

School code: 0263.