DOI: 10.5176/2251-3833_GHC18.124
Authors: Stephen Provost, Desiree Kozlowski, Jacalyn Hall, Julie Tucker and Rick van der Zwan
Abstract: As part of the Comcare funded “Asbestos Narratives” project we surveyed individuals suffering from an asbestos-related medical condition and carers of people suffering from an asbestos-related medical condition. Thirty two asbestos-disease sufferers and 15 carers completed a survey which evaluated health, quality of life, perceived social support, resilience, and depression, anxiety and stress. Although the asbestos-related medical condition had significant negative health and quality of life consequences for sufferers, they reported high levels of social support and resilience. In general the mental health of those with an asbestos-related disease was not poor, however there was a sub-group of sufferers exhibiting high levels of depression anxiety and stress. Social support and resilience were strongly related to mental health. The level of depression was higher, and the perceived level of social support from somebody special was lower, in carers than in those with an asbestos-related condition. Providing greater levels of support to those caring for sufferers of asbestos-related diseases will have positive benefits to both them and those who depend upon them.
Keywords: related disease; mental health; resilience; social support; carers
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