The Impact of Caregiving Intensity and Religiosity on Spousal Caregivers’ Health and Mortality in the US (2004–2014)

Abstract

Objectives Despite adverse physical and mental health outcomes related to caregiving, family caregivers also experience lower mortality rates compared to noncaregivers. However, research has not yet examined the role of caregiving intensity and religiosity with health and mortality among spousal caregivers. Methods Data include spousal caregivers ( n=5,214 person-wave observations) and noncaregivers ( n=50,311 person-wave observations) from the Health and Retirement Study (2004–2014 waves). Multinomial logistic regression was used to explore how caregiving intensity and religiosity were associated with health and mortality among spousal caregivers, compared health and mortality between caregivers and noncaregiving peers, and examined gender differences in these mechanisms. Results Greater religious salience and attending religious services, although dependent on gender and caregiving intensity, are protective for caregivers’ health and mortality. Discussion Religiosity may buffer adverse effects of caregiving on health and mortality for spousal caregivers. Continuation of prior religiosity may enhance positive aspects of caregiving and decrease caregiver burden.