The influence of Latino cultural values on the perceived caregiver role of family members with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias

Ethn Health. 2023 May;28(4):619-633. doi: 10.1080/13557858.2022.2115018. Epub 2022 Aug 28.

Abstract

Objectives: We explored how Latino cultural values play a role in perceived caregiving experiences.

Design: We conducted a qualitative study that used individual, in-depth, semi-structured interviews with middle-aged and older Latinos who were primary caregivers of family members with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD). The interview guide consisted of questions about participants' perceptions of family caregiving and interrelationships between the caregiver and care recipient. The interviews were recorded, translated, and transcribed verbatim. We performed direct content analysis.

Results: Participants were caregivers, 50-75 years old (n = 16), and the majority were female. We identified four cultural values that were salient to participants' caregiving experiences: (a) familismo, (b) fatalismo (c) marianismo, and (d) machismo.

Conclusion: Latino cultural values influenced the role of caregiving and caregiving roles of family members with ADRD. Future research should consider these values as they affect different familial and health dynamics.

Keywords: Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias; Caregiving; Latinos; cultural values.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Alzheimer Disease* / ethnology
  • Alzheimer Disease* / psychology
  • Alzheimer Disease* / therapy
  • Caregivers* / psychology
  • Culture*
  • Family / ethnology
  • Family / psychology
  • Family Relations* / ethnology
  • Family Relations* / psychology
  • Female
  • Hispanic or Latino*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Qualitative Research
  • Social Values* / ethnology