How does self-disclosure differ between those caring for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) versus non-ADRD caregivers?
Abstract
Introduction: Unpaid caregivers often juggle professional careers and academic responsibilities while caring for a loved one. This added responsibility can lead to heightened stress and an increased caregiver burden, particularly among ADRD caregivers. Caregiver-friendly workplaces and university environments can encourage individuals to disclose their caregiving responsibilities and obtain support. However, research to date is limited in this area. This study examines differences in self-disclosure between those caring for individuals with ADRD versus non-ADRD caregivers in a university setting. Methodology: A cross-sectional study compared the self-disclosure status of university employee and student caregivers (n=349) who provided unpaid care to an adult >18 years. Participants completed a Qualtrics survey that assessed demographic information, caregiving context, and care recipient characteristics. Participants also completed the Zarit Burden Index. Differences between ADRD and non-ADRD caregivers were assessed using t-tests and chi square analyses. Results: Compared to non-ADRD caregivers, ADRD caregivers had fewer years of caregiving experience (3.79 ±4.78 vs. 5.54 ±6.90, p<0.05) and were significantly more likely to provide personal care (79.01% vs. 52.34%, p<0.0001) and provide support to older recipients (80.28 ±8.28 vs. 61.55 ±22.86 years, p<0.001) with a greater number of health conditions (2.73 ±2.36 vs. 2.13 ±1.94, p=0.04). ADRD caregivers reported more paid (47.56% vs. 22.31%, p<0.001) and unpaid (82.14% vs. 62.65%, p<0.001) help compared to non-ADRD caregivers; however, they also experienced higher caregiver burden (19.59 ±10.69 vs. 16.53 ±9.96, p=0 .02). Despite receiving more support, ADRD caregivers were significantly more likely to disclose their caregiving role to university personnel and peers compared to non-ADRD caregivers (68.67% vs. 51.92%, p<0.001). Implications: Findings highlight the self-disclosure behaviors of university employee and student caregivers, and the specific challenges faced by ADRD caregivers. Universities can provide additional support for employee and student caregivers to help them manage their professional, academic, and caregiving responsibilities. Keywords: Alzheimer’s, Dementia, Caregiving, Self-Disclosure, Burden, University, Employee, Student
Start Time
16-4-2025 1:30 PM
End Time
16-4-2025 4:00 PM
Presentation Type
Poster
Presentation Category
Social Sciences
Student Type
Graduate Student - Doctoral
Faculty Mentor
Jodi Southerland
Faculty Department
Community and Behavioral Health
How does self-disclosure differ between those caring for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) versus non-ADRD caregivers?
Introduction: Unpaid caregivers often juggle professional careers and academic responsibilities while caring for a loved one. This added responsibility can lead to heightened stress and an increased caregiver burden, particularly among ADRD caregivers. Caregiver-friendly workplaces and university environments can encourage individuals to disclose their caregiving responsibilities and obtain support. However, research to date is limited in this area. This study examines differences in self-disclosure between those caring for individuals with ADRD versus non-ADRD caregivers in a university setting. Methodology: A cross-sectional study compared the self-disclosure status of university employee and student caregivers (n=349) who provided unpaid care to an adult >18 years. Participants completed a Qualtrics survey that assessed demographic information, caregiving context, and care recipient characteristics. Participants also completed the Zarit Burden Index. Differences between ADRD and non-ADRD caregivers were assessed using t-tests and chi square analyses. Results: Compared to non-ADRD caregivers, ADRD caregivers had fewer years of caregiving experience (3.79 ±4.78 vs. 5.54 ±6.90, p<0.05) and were significantly more likely to provide personal care (79.01% vs. 52.34%, p<0.0001) and provide support to older recipients (80.28 ±8.28 vs. 61.55 ±22.86 years, p<0.001) with a greater number of health conditions (2.73 ±2.36 vs. 2.13 ±1.94, p=0.04). ADRD caregivers reported more paid (47.56% vs. 22.31%, p<0.001) and unpaid (82.14% vs. 62.65%, p<0.001) help compared to non-ADRD caregivers; however, they also experienced higher caregiver burden (19.59 ±10.69 vs. 16.53 ±9.96, p=0 .02). Despite receiving more support, ADRD caregivers were significantly more likely to disclose their caregiving role to university personnel and peers compared to non-ADRD caregivers (68.67% vs. 51.92%, p<0.001). Implications: Findings highlight the self-disclosure behaviors of university employee and student caregivers, and the specific challenges faced by ADRD caregivers. Universities can provide additional support for employee and student caregivers to help them manage their professional, academic, and caregiving responsibilities. Keywords: Alzheimer’s, Dementia, Caregiving, Self-Disclosure, Burden, University, Employee, Student