Minakshi Raj1, Sara J Feldman2, Jodyn E Platt3, Tammy Chang4. 1. Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, Champaign, Illinois. Electronic address: mraj@illinois.edu. 2. Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan. 3. Department of Learning Health Sciences, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan. 4. Department of Family Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan; Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Abstract
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to explore youth experiences and perspectives on family caregiving to improve programs and policies that impact the well-being of youth. METHODS: In August 2020, we asked three open-ended questions about current and anticipated caregiving responsibilities, impact, and needs using MyVoice, a national text message poll of youth. Content and thematic analysis was conducted to evaluate qualitative responses. RESULTS: In our sample (n = 1,076), 35% of respondents reported previously or currently providing care for an adult relative either independently or by helping another relative. Participants believed caregiving had or would hinder their educational or career goals and that specific training would better prepare them to be a caregiver. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of youth caregiving may be higher than previous estimates. Healthcare professionals should evaluate youth for caregiving responsibilities and support them in identifying resources or interventions to reduce potential impacts of caregiving burden on health outcomes.
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to explore youth experiences and perspectives on family caregiving to improve programs and policies that impact the well-being of youth. METHODS: In August 2020, we asked three open-ended questions about current and anticipated caregiving responsibilities, impact, and needs using MyVoice, a national text message poll of youth. Content and thematic analysis was conducted to evaluate qualitative responses. RESULTS: In our sample (n = 1,076), 35% of respondents reported previously or currently providing care for an adult relative either independently or by helping another relative. Participants believed caregiving had or would hinder their educational or career goals and that specific training would better prepare them to be a caregiver. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of youth caregiving may be higher than previous estimates. Healthcare professionals should evaluate youth for caregiving responsibilities and support them in identifying resources or interventions to reduce potential impacts of caregiving burden on health outcomes.
Authors: Melissa DeJonckheere; Lauren P Nichols; Michelle H Moniz; Kendrin R Sonneville; V G Vinod Vydiswaran; Xinyan Zhao; Timothy C Guetterman; Tammy Chang Journal: JMIR Res Protoc Date: 2017-12-11