Rural and Urban Caregivers for Older Adults in Poland: Perceptions of Positive and Negative Impact of Caregiving

Abstract

This study examines rural-urban differences in informal caregivers' perceptions of caregiving. The study's theoretical framework is based on the two-factor model of caregiving, which views caregiving as having both positive and negative impact. Data were collected in personal interviews with 126 rural and 127 urban caregivers in the Bialystok region. The COPE-Index was used to assess caregivers. Rural caregivers reported a greater negative impact of caregiving than their urban counterparts, controlling for caregiver socio-demographic characteristics and care-recipient disability level. There was no difference in caregivers' perceptions of positive aspects of caregiving. These findings are consistent with previous research, which suggests that rural caregivers experience greater caregiver burden. Better understanding of rural-urban differences in caregiving outcomes can be useful in designing supportive services for informal caregivers in Poland.

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