Measuring caregiver identity: scale development and validation

A small body of research suggests that caregiver identity is an important construct that influences family caregiver behavior, especially their use of support services. The measurement of caregiver identity has been limited to a dichotomous construct- are you a caregiver, yes or no- rather than treated as a multidimensional construct with a number of different dimensions. A global measure of caregiver identity is needed to advance research and practice in the area of family caregiving. The purpose of this study was to develop and validate the Family Caregiver Identity Scale (FCIS), an instrument designed to measure an individuals' role identity as a family caregiver. The study aims were to 1) identify the factors that influence caregiver identity development; 2) create a pool of items that can measure the theoretical domains of caregiver identity development; and 3) pretest these items, resulting in a valid and internally-consistent instrument that measures caregiver identity. To develop the Family Caregiver Identity Scale, the process of instrument development outlined in the Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing was combined with Dillman's four stages of pretesting. This was a multi-stage, iterative process, including several revisions based on feedback from experts, focus groups, and pilot testing. Confirmatory factor analyses were performed to test the hypothesized model of caregiver identity development. The results of the study suggest five factors influence family caregiver identity development- role engulfment and reversal; loss of shared identity; family obligation and gender norming; extension of the former role; and development of a master identity. A final FCIS consisting of 18 items resulted and demonstrated initial evidence of validity. Future confirmatory factory analysis will need to be performed to complete validity testing. This study contributes to the growing body of research involving caregiver identity

Quality of life as a mediator of leisure activity and perceived health among older women

Despite consistent evidence to suggest that participating in leisure is associated with perceived health status among older adults, there have been few attempts to determine the possible underlying mechanisms in this relationship, including the role of quality of life (QoL). This study examined the role of perceived quality of life in the relationship between leisure and perceived health in older women. Correlations, regression, and mediation analysis were conducted on data from the Woman’s College Alumnae Women’s Health Study. Results indicate that QoL partially mediates the relationship between leisure and perceived health in older women. Findings further establish the link between leisure and perceived health with QoL playing an important role in the relationship

The Relationship Between Physical Activity and Perceived Health Status in Older Women: Findings from the Woman’s College Alumni Study

Using data collected from the Woman’s College (WC) Alumni Study, the purpose of this study was to determine whether perceived health status is related to physical activity in older women. A multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to examine the relationship between amounts of physical activity and self-reported health status. The results of the current study reveal that the level of physical activity is significantly correlated with perceived health status. The findings of this study have implications for the assessment of older individuals’ health and may lead to interventions that are tailored to increase physical activity among older women

Emerging Trends in Family Caregiving Using the Life Course Perspective: Preparing Health Educators for an Aging Society

Background: As life expectancy and morbidity related to chronic disease increase, the baby boomers will be called upon to provide care to aging members of their family or to be care recipients themselves. Purpose: Through the theoretical lens of the life course perspective, this review of the literature provides insight into what characteristics of baby boomers separate them from previous caregiving cohorts and how these characteristics will affect family caregiving. Methods: A systematic process to identify literature was completed using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Results: Findings suggest multiple emerging trends related to caregiving, including (1) increasing use of digital technology for information gathering and support, (2) more diversity among caregivers and care recipients, (3) strained finances and loss of entitlements, (4) more complex care and care management, (5) demand for public policies related to caregiving, and (6) balancing work, family, chronic disease, and caregiving. Discussion: Examining the literature related to family caregiving and baby boomers through a life course perspective offers a unique and more complete understanding of emerging trends related to chronic disease management. Translation to Health Education Practice: These emerging trends offer health educators implications for strategies and best practices intended to support those involved in family caregiving