Health-related quality of life of individuals sharing a household with persons with dementia

Abstract

Introduction: Previous research has found a negative effect of dementia on the health-related quality of life (HrQoL) of persons with dementia (PWD) and their primary informal caregivers. However, the impact of dementia on HrQoL of other individuals sharing a household with PWD has not been investigated to date. The current study therefore aimed to determine differences in the HrQoL between those sharing a household with PWD and those not living with PWD. In addition, factors related to the HrQoL of those sharing a household with PWD were evaluated. Methods: The analyses were based on data from the German Socio-Economic Panel, using the SF-12 to measure HrQoL. Mixed-effects models were calculated to compare the HrQoL of those sharing a household with PWD and persons not living with PWD, as well as to determine factors related to the HrQoL of those sharing a household with PWD. Bootstrapping was used where residuals were not normally distributed. Results: Mixed-effect models showed a significantly lower HrQoL among those sharing a household with PWD, compared to those not living with PWD. Number of diseases, number of persons in the household, marital status and educational level were significantly related to HrQoL among those sharing a household with PWD. Discussion: The HrQoL of those sharing a household with PWD was reduced compared to persons not living with PWD. Further, those living with PWD in small households, or those with multi-morbidities had a lower HrQoL. Further research focusing on HrQoL in the social environment of PWD is needed.

The central question of this essay is how low wage earners perceive the minimum wage. The basis is a qualitative study of 31 focus group participants conducted in the summer of 2015. One of the main findings is that low wage earners are faced with numerous hindrances in their employment. Most participants mentioned illness, caring for family members, child rearing and advanced age as their main challenges on the job market. These either meant the participants were unable to work full time or were unable to work at all. Some of the focus group participants were only marginally employed. The introduction of the minimum wage was perceived as a step in the right direction of combating wage dumping as well as a higher recognition of low wage earners. However, the minimum wage of 8.50 Euro at the time the study was conducted was perceived as too low to establish justice on the basis of wage justice and the needs-base principle for low wage earners. Additionally, participants see the need for improvement of minimum wage compliance and its supervision.