Table 2.
Characteristics of study participants (n = 41)
| n (%) | |
|---|---|
| Sex (female) | 35 (85.4) |
| Age [range 26–81] (M, SD) | 61.1 (±12.5) |
| Educational level (primary, secondary, tertiary) | 5 (12.2)/ 12 (29.3)/ 24 (58.5) |
| Cultural background | |
| Dutch (native) | 31 (75.6) |
| Non-Dutch (Western) | 6 (14.6) |
| Non-Dutch (non-Western) | 4 (9.8) |
| Has provided family care in the past | 26 (63.7) |
| Currently provides family care | 15 (36.3) |
| Provides/provided care for | |
| Partner | 20 (48.8) |
| Parent | 16 (39) |
| Other | 5 (12.2) |
| Type of illness | |
| Cancer | 16 (39) |
| Dementia | 16 (39) |
| Organ failure | 13 (31.7) |
| Stroke (CVA) | 5 (12.2) |
| Other a | 8 (19.5) |
| Contact frequency with care recipient | |
| Lives in same house | 23 (56.1) |
| Daily contact | 16 (39) |
| Weekly contact | 2 (4.9) |
| Received support from | |
| Own network | 28 (68.3) |
| Home-care staff | 30 (73.2) |
| Volunteers | 6 (14.6) |
| Other b | 5 (12.2) |
| No support | 2 (4.9) |
| Paid work when family care started (yes) | 23 (56.1) |
| Work hours per week [range 10–66] (M, SD) | 32.2 (±12.7) |
| Adjusted work situation because of family care (yes) c | 14 (60.9) |
| Quit job | 10 (43.5) |
| Work adjustments d | 7 (30.4) |
| Care/sick leave | 4 (17.4) |
Note: a Other diseases or problems that were mentioned included progressive neurologic disorder, prolapse, dehydration, urinary infection, delirium, open wounds, multiple falling accidents and posttraumatic stress disorder (war trauma). b Other support included dementia support groups, case managers and privately paid caregivers. c Percentage of working family caregivers. d Work adjustments included reduced working hours, flexible working hours and working from home