OBJECTIVES

: The aim of the study was to measure the economic impact of informal care on caregivers providing assistance to myocardial infarction survivors in France. Health and social impacts were also described.

METHODS

: Data from the prospective 2008 Health and disabilities households survey (Enquête Handicap-Santé), carried out in the French general population was used to obtain information about myocardial infarction victims and their informal caregivers. To estimate an approximation of the monetary value of informal care, three methods were used: the opportunity cost, the proxy good, and the contingent valuation methods. A multivariate analysis was performed to determine associations of informal care duration, and existence of a professional care with health indicators stated by caregivers.

RESULTS

: The analysis included 147 caregivers. The mean number of informal care hours was estimated to be 1,108 per year and per caregiver and the mean value of informal care ranged from €9,679 per year using the contingent valuation method to €11,288 per year using the opportunity cost method (P>0.05). The mean willingness to pay for an additional hour of providing informal care was €10.9 (SD=8.3). Caregivers reported that informal care affects negatively physical condition and psychological health for 46.2% and 46.3% respectively, makes them anxious for 40.1%, feel alone for 38.8%, and deteriorates relationship with their families for 21.1%. Associations were identified between the duration of informal care and the need to be replaced, to feel alone and to make sacrifices (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

: Informal care represents an economic, health, and social impact for myocardial infarction. This data should be collected and integrated in economic studies for acute diseases.