Public defence in health science: Joana Vicente

In order to receive the Zoom link for the thesis defense, please contact Faculty Administrator Pontus Bergström: pontus.bergstrom@lnu.se

Abstract

Working carers (WKCs) combine paid work with informal care. Little is known about this important group of carers, which is expected to increase in number due to population ageing and economic trends. WKCs are beneficial for society but the combination of work and care roles has consequences for their social and financial circumstances as well as their health. This thesis explores the caregiving situation of WKCs.

Study I was a scoping review of research on the challenges of and solutions for the combination of paid work and care and the role of technologies in supporting WKCs. Results included a conceptual framework which identified high and/or competing demands as a key challenge solved by formal support. Web-based and communication technologies were seen to be a potential beneficial solution to support WKCs. Nevertheless, barriers existed in some instances, preventing their optimal use.

Studies II and III were based on data from a 2018 survey of a stratified random sample of the Swedish population. Study II described informal care provision and received support among Swedish female and male WKCs.  Female compared to male WKCs cared more often alone, with more intensity, experienced care as more demanding while their ability to work was reduced to a greater extent.

Study III determined the caregiving-related factors associated with WKCs’ reduced ability to work and experience of caregiving as demanding. A key finding was that psychological stress and financial problems due to caregiving increased the odds of both experiencing caregiving as demanding and a reduced ability to work, while finding caregiving satisfying decreased the odds of both.

Study IV was an interview study of WKCs’ experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. WKCs’ positive experiences included the delivery of support by distance via digital technologies and more time with the care-recipient. Negative experiences included the fear of becoming sick, new challenges at work, and the cancellation of home and community-based services for the care recipient.

This thesis contributes new knowledge on the situation of WKCs in Sweden. Its findings have implications for how policy can more appropriately and effectively address WKCs’ needs and preferences for support and their combination of work and care roles.

Keywords: working carers, informal care, family care, support, employment, gender, health, COVID-19 pandemic