Gender Differences in Family Caregiving. Do female caregivers do more or undertake different tasks?

BMC Health Services Research, 2024 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-024-11191-w · Published: June 10, 2024

Healthcare Women's Health Social Support

Simple Explanation

This study examines gender differences in family caregivers of individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI) in Switzerland. It investigates whether female caregivers spend more time on caregiving tasks or undertake different tasks compared to male caregivers. The researchers analyzed data from a survey of family caregivers, balancing the characteristics of male and female caregivers to ensure a fair comparison. They looked at the time spent on various caregiving tasks and how these differences affect the caregivers' satisfaction with their health and quality of life. The study found that male and female caregivers invest similar time in caregiving, except for household chores, where women spend more time. Despite this difference, female caregivers reported similar satisfaction with their health and quality of life compared to male caregivers.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

717 informal caregivers of persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) in Switzerland

Evidence Level

Cross-sectional study

Key Findings

1
Under similar circumstances, male and female caregivers invest similar time in overall caregiving.
2
Women spend, on average, four more hours per week than male caregivers on household chores.
3
Female caregivers report a quality of life and satisfaction with their health that is similar to that of male caregivers.

Research Summary

This study addresses the gap in literature by analyzing the differences in caregiving solely related to gender, comparing male and female caregivers with similar demographics, working status, external support, and care demands. The study found that gender differences in caregiving narrow over time, except for household chores, where female caregivers continue to spend significantly more hours than male caregivers. The findings suggest that measures designed for family caregivers must consider these gender differences, as the support needs of female caregivers can differ greatly from those of male caregivers.

Practical Implications

Targeted Support

Develop support programs that recognize and address the specific needs of female caregivers, particularly in relation to household responsibilities.

Policy Considerations

Implement policies that promote a more equitable distribution of household labor between genders, potentially through financial assistance or tax benefits.

Healthcare Collaboration

Foster collaboration between healthcare providers, social services, and community organizations to provide coordinated support for family caregivers, especially in demanding contexts like SCI caregiving.

Study Limitations

1
The observed gender differences come from a sample where male caregivers mostly care for females, and female caregivers care for males.
2
The study may not fully capture the influence of social, cultural, and contextual factors on gender differences in caregiving.
3
Financial constraints and employment opportunities may influence the division of household chores.

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