Objective The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of grandparents’ caring for their grandchildren on grandparent health. The health of custodial grandparents was compared to the health of noncustodial grandparents. It was hypothesized that custodial grandparents will have poorer health (i.e., more health needs and more unmet health needs) than noncustodial grandparents.
Design, Sample, and Setting This descriptive, comparative study included one group (n = 120) of grandparents having custody of their grandchild(ren) and one group (n = 60) who did not have custody of their grandchild(ren). Custodial grandparents were enrolled in a relative caregiver program that provided a variety of services to children and their grandparents. This program, offered through a southern US state, had given limited attention to grandparent health. This limited attention was noted in a statewide forum when health issues were one of the most frequent concerns raised by custodial grandparents. Grandparents in the noncustodial group were recruited from neighborhoods of custodial grandparents.
Methods (Used to Collect Data) Data were collected through grandparent interview during a one time home visit. Grandparent health was assessed using the Short Form-12 Revised Health Survey (SF-12), the Geriatric Depression Scale, and the Health History. The Health History elicited information about grandparent health problems, use of health care providers, barriers to accessing health care, and efforts to promote grandparent health. Additionally, selected physiologic measures were included. Limited information about grandchild health was obtained.
Findings, Conclusions, and Implications Preliminary analysis reveals unmet health needs of custodial and noncustodial grandparents. Results will be presented with attention given to grandparent health needs, grandparent strengths, and grandchild health problems. These findings will be used to guide the development and funding of community supports and increase health care providers’ awareness of the health-related challenges faced by custodial grandparents.
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