P39: Predictors of loneliness in Chilean informal caregivers of people with dementia during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Objective:

The aim of this study was to determine the predictors of loneliness in informal caregivers of people with dementia in Chile during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Methods:

195 Chilean informal caregivers responded to an online or telephone survey. They were asked about sociodemographic aspects, clinical and caregiving changes experienced by them and the person with dementia during the pandemic, perceived psychosocial support and loneliness.

Results:

Less years of formal education, lower income, low level of support with care tasks, living with the person with dementia, low social support, high levels of burden and depressive and anxious symptomatology were significantly related to higher loneliness. In contrast, carrying out physical and mental activity was significantly associated with lower feelings of loneliness. Almost half of the variability of loneliness was explained by higher depressive and anxious symptomatology (β = 0.53), low psychosocial support (β = -0.29) and living with the person with dementia (β = 0.16) (adjusted R² = 0.48).

Conclusion:

The risk of developing loneliness in informal caregivers of people with dementia is high. Special emphasis should be placed on developing interventions that improve the mental health of this group, as well as increasing their contact with formal and informal support networks. Thus, they would be able to cope with care tasks in a better way, reducing the likelihood of experiencing feelings of loneliness.