A new study published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows caregivers are facing their own increasing health challenges.
Data comparing health indicators from 2015-16 to 2021-22 found that six indicators worsened over that time, with increases in the prevalence of frequent mental distress, depression, asthma, obesity and having any or multiple chronic physical conditions.
In the 2021-22 period, obesity, current asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and arthritis were more common among caregivers than noncaregivers.
The CDC report notes that health care professionals “can take steps to identify patients who serve in a caregiving role and encourage them to seek any support they might need to prioritize their own mental and physical health.”