Adolescent young caregivers of older, sick or disabled family members : evidence from the ‘ME-WE’ European project online survey in Italy

• Aims: Several studies at national level show that the phenomenon of Adolescent Young Caregivers (AYCs) of older, sick or disabled family members is increasing, despite the fact that European data are missing. Having family care responsibilities can compromise AYC’s mental well-being, school performance, training, work opportunities and social inclusion. The Horizon 2020 “ME-WE” project, aims at systematizing the knowledge about AYCs at European level and strengthening their resilience.Methods: About 3,000 adolescents (aged 15-17) were surveyed in 2018 in six European countries (Italy, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland, The Netherlands, UK) through an on-line questionnaire including demographic questions, the Multidimensional Assessment of Caring Activities Checklist, the Positive and Negative Outcomes of Caring Questionnaire and Kidscreen Questionnaire. The survey had the goal of examining the prevalence of AYCs in the six partner countries and outlining profiles, needs and preferences of European AYCs. Data were analysed through descriptive and inferential statistics.Results: In Italy, 243 (i.e. 27% out of 886 surveyed adolescents) were identified as AYCs, mainly females (62.1%). 60.5% of AYCs provided care for their grandparents (80 for grandfathers, 67 for grandmothers). Due to care responsibilities, 3.3% of Italian AYCs found it difficult to attend school and study with proficiency; 3,7% were bullied; 5.8% reported mental health problems (e.g. depression or anxiety). Only 7.8% received support connected with their caring role.  Conclusion: “ME-WE” represents the first systematic study on AYCs in Europe. Italian findings highlighted a notable proportion of AYCs of older people and that just a few of them received support, with negative effects on their mental well-being, school performance and social inclusion. In light of the above, tailored policies and interventions for enhancing Italian AYC’s resilience are needed as well as training for boosting educational and health practitioners’ capability of identifying and appropriately sup

Subject headings

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Hälsovetenskap -- Omvårdnad (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Health Sciences -- Nursing (hsv//eng)

Keyword

Vårdvetenskap

Caring Science

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

kon (subject category)