¹Fundacion Henri Laborit, Psychiatry, Cordoba, Argentina, ²Fundacion Henri Laborit, Psychiatry - Traslational Research, Cordoba, Argentina

Background: Caregivers of individuals with chronic illnesses and disabilities are among the groups at highest risk of experiencing allostatic load and stress-related diseases. Robust evidence indicates that chronic stress exposure within this group is significantly associated with high oxidative stress, reduced telomerase activity, and shortened telomere length—diverse indicators of early senescence and high levels of inflammatory markers.

Aims & Objectives: This study explored, through specific scales, the influence of preexisting factors on the physiological cost of chronic stress experienced by caregivers. Personality traits (neuroticism), caregiver burden, and state-trait anxiety were evaluated in search of measurable and potentially treatable predictors that could mitigate allostatic load and its harmful effects.

Method: A prospective, observational, and non-interventional study. Seventy caregivers (aged 30-72; 48 women and 22 men) were recruited. Instruments used included the Zarit Caregiver Burden Interview to assess caregiver burden, the reduced NEO-FFI Scale to analyze the five personality dimensions, and the STAI State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) for state and trait anxiety. Data were categorized into low, moderate, and high levels according to evaluation criteria. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS software, with t-tests, non-parametric tests, and Pearson’s correlation test.
Ethical Declaration: The study adhered to the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. Informed consent was obtained from all participants.

Results: · Zarit Scale: Distribution of caregiver burden levels: Intense burden (71%), light burden (29%).
· Personality Dimensions (NEO-FFI Reduced): Neuroticism: 40% very high scores. Openness to experience: 35% high scores. Conscientiousness: 25% very high scores.
· Anxiety Questionnaire (STAI): A statistically significant difference was observed in state and trait anxiety scales by gender, with women reporting higher mean anxiety levels than men in both state and trait anxiety.

Discussion & Conclusions: Caregivers with high neuroticism and burden scores demonstrated a greater risk of emotional exhaustion and anxiety. High openness to experience might act as a protective factor by fostering creative coping strategies. High conscientiousness suggests strong commitment but may correlate with excessive and sustained self-demand. Increases in state and trait anxiety indicate risk factors for stress-related disorders.
The evaluation of premorbid vulnerability data to chronic stress using structured scales could help identify caregivers at high risk for allostatic load. This would encourage the active adoption of prevention strategies, early detection, and treatment of risk factors, along with the development of improved coping strategies.
References:

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