ORIGINAL PAPER
Factors associated with self-reported stress by informal caregivers providing care for older adults
 
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1
Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kraków, Poland (Laboratory for Research on Aging Society, Chair of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Medical Faculty)
 
2
Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kraków, Poland (Faculty of Health Sciences)
 
3
Care and Treatment Center in Krakow, Kraków, Poland
 
4
University Hospital, Kraków, Poland (Geriatric Department)
 
 
Online publication date: 2026-11-05
 
 
Corresponding author
Natalia Drapała   

Jagiellonian University Medical College, Laboratory for Research on Aging Society, Chair of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Medical Faculty, Skawińska 8, 31-066 Kraków, Poland
 
 
 
HIGHLIGHTS
  • Stress was reported more frequently among caregivers who were employed.
  • Lack of access to respite care was associated with a higher frequency of stress.
  • Caregivers of relatives with unmet needs had greater chances of stress.
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ABSTRACT
Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of self‑reported stress among informal caregivers of older adults living at home and to identify key factors associated with caregiving-related stress. Material and Methods: Between April 2024 and May 2025, a cross-sectional survey was conducted among 338 informal caregivers of individuals aged ≥60 years. Data were collected using the interRAI-Self-Reported Carer Needs (SCaN) tool. Logistic regression analyses were used to identify key stress-related factors. Results: Factors that significantly increase the odds of experiencing stress associated with caregiving include: being employed while providing care (OR = 3.03, 95% CI: 1.61–5.70), caring for a person with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia (OR = 2.38, 95% CI: 1.24–4.54), lack of access to respite services (OR = 3.53, 95% CI: 1.92–6.49), spending >35 h/week on caregiving (OR = 2.27, 95% CI: 1.08–4.77), and the presence of mood-disorder symptoms in the carer (OR = 3.53, 95% CI: 1.92–6.49). Caregivers who felt their relatives’ needs were unmet were nearly 6 times more likely to report stress compared to those who felt otherwise (OR = 5.84, 95% CI: 1.48–23.01). Conclusions: Caregiver stress is a multifaceted phenomenon associated with numerous factors. This cross-sectional study identifies factors associated with the prevalence of caregiving stress, underscoring the need for a multidimensional approach to strengthen and optimize support systems for informal caregivers and the individuals they care for. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2026;39(6)
eISSN:1896-494X
ISSN:1232-1087
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