• M L Rubio Montañés, A Sánchez Ibáñez, J A Ibáñez Estella, F Galve Royo, N Martí Talens, and J Mariscal Bernal.
• Unidad Docente de Medicina de Familia y Communitaria de Teruel.
• Aten Primaria. 1995 Sep 15; 16 (4): 181186181-6.

ObjectiveTo determine the prevalence of physical pathology (morbidity felt) and psychological unease (anxiety-depression) in crucial carers for disabled patients, and so establish a profile of them.DesignAn observational study. Analysis of two historical cohorts.SettingPrimary care. Urban health centre.PatientsThe exposed cohort was made up of 54 carers for disabled patients, chosen at random from the records at our Centre. The non-exposed cohort (n = 54), matched for age, gender and educational level, was chosen at random from the consulting rooms.Measurements And Main ResultsBy means of a questionnaire, descriptive variables were collected, i.e. the morbidity felt, consumption of medicine, psychological unease (Goldberg's anxiety-depression scale), perception of social support (modified Duke Unl), index of the effort of the carer (IEC) and the profile of the person being cared for. The "typical" carer was a 57-year old woman (CI 95: 54-61), with a low educational level, daughter or wife of the disabled person, who received external help in few cases (11%). Problems of health referred to by carers (Arthralgia, migraines, asthenia, feeling depressed and insomnia), are more frequent (p < 0.001) than in non-carers. 75% took some medication, as against 45% of non-carers (p < 0.001). 83% displayed anxiety and 63% depression, against 36 and 37%, respectively, in the non-exposed cohort. A high IEC implied greater risk of anxiety (p < 0.05) and depression (p < 0.001).ConclusionsThe crucial carer has a greater prevalence of physical and psychological morbidity. A high IEC and a perception of low social support create the conditions for higher anxiety and depression. Caring for the carer needs to be integrated into care for the disabled patient.

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