Coping Behaviors and Health Status during the COVID-19 Pandemic among Caregivers of Assisted Living Residents in Western Canada.
Colleen J Maxwell, Lauren Dayes, Joseph E Amuah and 9 others
PMID 36669529WHAT IT FOUND
Caregivers of assisted living residents with anxiety or depression were significantly more likely to start alcohol, smoking, cannabis or psychotropic drugs during the pandemic.
Few sought counseling, suggesting self-medication replaced professional help.
Key findings
01Among caregivers with anxiety, adjusted risk ratios for starting psychotropic drugs, alcohol, or smoking/cannabis were 3.87, 1.87, and 2.21 respectively compared to those without anxiety.
02Only 7.4% of caregivers sought counseling services during the initial wave, despite high prevalence of anxiety and depressive symptoms.
03Prevalence of anxiety and depressive symptoms was significantly lower at follow-up compared to baseline.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for RNs
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What it does not show
The sample was largely White, English-speaking women with higher socioeconomic status, limiting generalizability. Data was self-reported, which introduces potential recall and social desirability bias, particularly regarding substance use. The study used an open survey link, creating potential selection bias. Coping behaviors were assessed with non-validated items, and some common behaviors like physical activity were not measured. The direction of associations cannot be confirmed; it is unclear if mental health symptoms led to coping behaviors or vice versa.
Declared interests
The authors declared no conflicts of interest. The study was supported by non-U.S. government funding.
The easy way to misread this
Do not interpret the association between mental health symptoms and coping behaviors as proof that treating anxiety will automatically reduce substance use. The study is observational and cross-sectional, so it cannot establish causality or determine if the coping behaviors were maintained over time.