Geriatricians have developed assessment tools for measuring stress in caregivers of older adults. However, minimal research has examined the accuracy of the subjects' recollections in completing questionnaires or being interviewed. The main purpose of the study was to validate the global Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) as an accurate measure of caregiver stress. Lazarus and Folkman's theory of stress and coping provided the theoretical framework. Seventy-five family caregivers to older adults with congestive heart failure were interviewed mid-morning with the PSS and CES-D for depression. Salivettes were used to collect saliva samples that were analyzed by a medical technologist. Stress and depression were low and the measure of salivary cortisol was within normal limits. With ANOVA, there were no significant associations between salivary cortisol and the PSS. The PSS and the CES-D were positively, significantly related. A recommendation for community nursing research is to collect saliva samples over multiple time points and to compare these measures with the PSS. Demands of caregiving alter how and when stress is perceived.
Learning Objectives: 1.Examine means of measuring stress in caregivers of older adults. 2.Assess the accuracy of responses to interviews about stress
Keywords: Stress, Caregivers
Awards: Program Innovations for the Elderly: Awards for Excellence Funded by the Archstone Foundation - WinnerPresenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.