Geographic disparities in unpaid caregiving

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Gerontology
• Rural Health

Background:

• Previous research on rural-urban caregiver differences is limited by outdated data and generalizability issues.
• An updated, nationally representative examination is needed to understand current disparities.
• This study addresses the gap by examining rural-urban differences in caregiver characteristics, experiences, and health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a nationally representative examination of rural-urban differences in caregiver experiences, health, and well-being.
• To compare the characteristics, health status, and health behaviors of rural and urban unpaid caregivers.
• To identify geographic disparities in caregiving contexts and outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the 2021-2022 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) data, including 44,274 unpaid caregivers.
• Defined rurality using the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) Urban-Rural Classification Scheme (2013).
• Employed chi-square tests to compare rural-urban differences in demographics, caregiving intensity, caregiver health, and health behaviors.

Main Results:

• Rural caregivers reported higher rates of chronic conditions (58.3% vs. 53.2%) and obesity (42.9% vs. 37.5%) compared to urban caregivers.
• Rural caregivers were more likely to smoke (24.2% vs. 15.5%) but less likely to binge drink (12.7% vs. 15.3%).
• Rural caregivers reported poorer general health (20.3% fair/poor) and more days of poor physical health (15.6%) than urban caregivers.

Conclusions:

• Significant geographic disparities exist in the health and well-being of unpaid caregivers.
• Rural caregivers exhibit poorer health outcomes and higher prevalence of risk factors.
• Understanding and addressing these disparities is essential for improving the health and well-being of all caregivers.