The Association between Experience as a Young Carer and Health-related Quality of Life in Adulthood: A Questionnaire-Based Cross-Sectional Observational Study

Abstract

Introduction: We examined the association between young carer experiences and poor health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in adulthood.

Methods: A questionnaire survey was conducted to assess the prevalence of young carer experiences and to collect information on household income, educational attainment, and HRQoL. HRQoL was measured using the EQ-5D-3L. The EQ-5D-3L includes two components: the EQ VAS, which evaluates self-rated health (SRH), and the EQ-5D index, which evaluates quality of life (QoL). Low SRH and low QoL were defined as EQ VAS and EQ-5D index scores below the mean for the corresponding age group, respectively. Logistic regression analyses were performed to examine the associations between young carer experiences and these outcomes, adjusting for sex, educational background, and income.

Results: Among 2,207 respondents, 54 individuals (2.4%) reported young carer experiences. Poor SRH was significantly associated with young carer experiences (OR 2.11, 95% CI 1.17‒3.81).

Conclusion: Our findings suggest an association between young carer experiences and lower HRQoL in adulthood.