Abstract

CARRILLO GONZALEZ, Gloria Mabel; SANCHEZ HERRERA, Beatriz  and  BARRERA ORTIZ, Lucy. Caring ability of family caregivers of children and adults with chronic illness. Index Enferm [online]. 2014, vol.23, n.3, pp.129-133. ISSN 1699-5988.  https://dx.doi.org/10.4321/S1132-12962014000200003.

Objective: To describe and compare the caring ability of family caregivers of children with chronic illness with the caring ability of family caregivers of adults with chronic illness. Methods: This is a quantitative exploratory and comparative study that included 212 family caregivers of people suffering from a non-communicable chronic disease (NCCD). Once characterized they answered the Caring Ability Inventory (CAI) that was adapted for the family caregivers of people with NCCD. Results: Family caregivers of children and adults with NCCD are similar in gender, occupation, and being the only caregivers. Family caregivers of adults with chronic illness have a better caring ability total score as well as better score in courage and knowledge dimensions. Family caregivers of children with chronic illness have better scores in the patience dimension. Conclusion: it is necessary to consolidate proposals to strengthen caregivers' ability to care considering the age of the recipient of care.

Keywords : Caregivers; Chronic disease; Child; Adult.