B1 Non-refereed review article in a scientific journal
Material deprivation among informal caregivers: a literature review on housing, food insecurity, and harmful effects on health
Authors: Savela, R-M; Kiljunen, O; Välimäki, T; Watts, D; McKenzie, J
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Publication year: 2025
Journal: Perspectives in Public Health
Article number: 17579139251371979
ISSN: 1757-9139
eISSN: 1757-9147
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/17579139251371979
Publication's open availability at the time of reporting: Open Access
Publication channel's open availability : Partially Open Access publication channel
Web address : https://doi.org/10.1177/17579139251371979
Self-archived copy’s web address: https://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/505761183
Introduction:Inflation and rising living costs are significant global issues impacting vulnerable groups, including informal caregivers. While it is known that informal caregiving may pose potential negative health effects, social inequalities associated with it are not well understood.Aim:This study aims to explore the material deprivation – specifically housing and food insecurity – faced by informal caregivers and the harmful effects this can have on health to inform future actions.Methods:We conducted a scoping review to explore the impact of material deprivation on informal caregivers’ health and well-being. We performed literature searches in databases including CINAHL, PubMed, SocINDEX, and Web of Science, along with hand searches, focusing on studies from the last 20 years.Results:The searches yielded 15 articles, mainly from the United States. The evidence shows that caregivers are more likely to report hunger, household food insecurity, and lower incomes than non-caregivers. They also experience household material, bill-paying, and healthcare hardships and have an increased risk of homelessness and child poverty. Some of these issues were further reported to affect their health.Conclusions:To tackle the social vulnerabilities caregivers face, robust national policies and healthcare practices that recognise and support informal caregivers and further in-depth research are needed.
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Funding information in the publication:
The authors disclosed receipt of the following financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article: The first author received funding from the Jenny and Antti Wihurin Foundation and OLVI Foundation. INVEST Research Flagship Centre is funded by the Research Council of Finland (decision number: 345546).
