Desenvolvimento de podcast educativo para cuidadores informais de pessoas idosas em atenção domiciliar

Abstract

Driven by the demographic and epidemiological transition, there has been an increase in the older adult population and in the prevalence of Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs), one of the main consequences of which is disability. As a result of disability, individuals may become restricted to their homes or bedridden, increasing the demand for Home Care. In this context, the role of the caregiver emerges, who, in most cases, is a family member, referred to as an informal caregiver. These caregivers are exposed to caregiver burden associated with economic, social, cultural, and health-related factors. The present study aimed to analyze a sample of informal caregivers of older adults receiving care at home in order to understand their sociodemographic profile, caregiver burden, and the main gaps in health-related caregiving competencies. An observational, cross-sectional, quantitative field study was conducted with a sample of 42 informal caregivers of older adults receiving Home Care under the AD1 modality. Participants were selected by convenience sampling from among older adults followed by the Home Visit Service in an uncovered area of Juiz de Fora. Data collection was conducted at the participants' homes, where they received information about the study and signed the Informed Consent Form. Three instruments were used for data collection: the Coelho-Savassi Family Risk Scale, the Zarit Burden Interview, and the COPER-14 Scale. Two participants were excluded after the application of the exclusion criteria, resulting in a final sample of 40 participants for analysis. Data were tabulated in an Excel spreadsheet and analyzed using absolute and relative frequencies and measures of central tendency. Associations between socioeconomic variables and vulnerability profiles with caregiver burden and caregiving competencies were also assessed. As a technical product, a podcast aimed at informal caregivers of older adults was developed. The topics were selected based on the competency gaps identified through the application of the scales and their stronger association with caregiver burden. This Master's Degree Final Project is the result of the Professional Master's Degree Program in Family Health (PROFSAÚDE), a stricto sensu postgraduate program.