The impact of informal care provision on the quality of life of adults caring for persons with mental health problems: A cross-sectional assessment of caregiver quality of life

Abstract

This study assessed the quality of life of informal caregivers for individuals with mental health problems in the Netherlands. An online survey was administered to a panel of informal caregivers in June 2020 ( n = 261). Informal caregivers of persons with mental problems were found to have an exceptionally low quality of life. A high subjective burden ( p < .001), lower perseverance time ( p = .016), low caregiver overall health status ( p = .004) and psychological wellbeing ( p = .008), younger caregiver age ( p = .011), child caregiving responsibilities ( p = .025), and no social support network ( p = .038) were associated with worse quality of life scores. These findings shed light on the significant challenges faced by informal caregivers of persons with mental health problem. This raises concerns about the long-term sustainability of informal care and mental healthcare reform.