What impact does informal caring have on Mental Wellbeing? A cross-sectional analysis of survey data

BACKGROUND: It is estimated that 1 in 8 of the English & Welsh population are unpaid informal carers. There is an upward trend in the number of carers in a growing and ageing population. This study aimed to quantify the mental wellbeing of informal carers as compared to the English general population. METHODS: The study drew from secondary analysis of the Health Survey for England, including 10,300 participants of all ages. The outcome measure was the Warwick Edinburgh mental wellbeing scale (WEMWBS) a 14-item validated survey which measures subjective well-being and psychological function with higher scores denoting greater wellbeing. Derived caring status, age & sex were explanatory variables. Multiple linear regression was employed to estimate associations. RESULTS: Of the 7,297 eligible adult participants, 1,244 were carers. The adjusted mean difference in WEMBS for men compared to women was 0.53 (0.10 to 0.96, P = 0.016). When including caring status, the mean difference for carers compared to non-carers was -1.71 (-2.29 to -1.13, p < 0.001) adjusted for age and sex. In sub groups of age, (<25, 25-64, and >65) there was evidence that caring was associated with lower wellbeing for ages <64 but no evidence of difference in > 65 years. CONCLUSIONS: There is compelling evidence that informal carers have a lower WEMWBS score, indicating poorer mental wellbeing. However, this does impact all age groups equally as there was only evidence of carers <64 having a lower WEMWBS. This is one of the first studies to quantify the mental wellbeing of carers, and could lead to further studies to identify a causal link, and better support carers. KEY MESSAGES: • Informal unpaid carers <64 years, have quantifiably reduced mental wellbeing, compared to the wider population. Further research is needed to reduce the disparity. • In an ageing population, and with increasing numbers of people informally caring, policy should support them in caring, and to also improve their own health.