title: Grandparents parenting grandchildren: assessing health status, parental stress, and social supports.
abstract: This study describes the physical and emotional health of grandparents raising grandchildren and the extent to which the health of this at-risk population is affected further by the caregiving role. A sample of 17 grandparents who are primary caregivers to their grandchildren and reside within a three-state metropolitan area were interviewed in their homes during a 1-year period. Data were collected on physical and mental health status and health problems, level of health, level of stress, economic difficulties, and family and supports. Qualitative data analyses using a panel of experts and NUD*IST, and quantitative methods were used. Results showed wide variation in physical and mental health status; however, most participants tended to score high on parental stress-particularly in the child domain. Disruption of social activities, financial problems, and alterations in family relationships were of significant concern.
authors.affiliation: Gerontology Programs, George Mason University, College of Nursing and Health Science, Fairfax, Virginia 22030, USA.
authors.forename: Frieda R
authors.initials: FR
authors.lastname: Butler
authors.forename: Nazik
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Zakari
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001741:Black or African American / Q000523:psychology; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D008603:Mental Health; D008875:Middle Aged; D016487:Parenting / Q000523:psychology*; D013315:Stress, Psychological