Informal Caregiving for Psychosocial Disability in the Time of the Post COVID Crisis of Welfare in Italy

Background: Informal caregivers of individuals with psychosocial disabilities are at high risk of psychological distress, leading to depressive symptoms and reduced quality of life (QOL). The ongoing crisis in welfare systems, worsened by economic constraints and the COVID-19 pandemic, has further increased caregivers’ burdens, especially in countries like Italy, where community-based care models are underfunded. This study aims to assess how this welfare crisis impacts informal caregivers who lack external support. Methods: A study was conducted in Sardinia, Italy, comparing the mental health and QOL of family caregivers with matched controls from the general population. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), and health-related QOL was measured with the SF-12 scale. Statistical analyses included ANOVA and odds ratio calculations. Results: A sample of 70 caregivers showed a significantly higher prevalence of depressive symptoms (32.86%) compared to 280 controls (9.54%), with an odds ratio of 5.49. Their QOL scores were similar to those of individuals with severe chronic illnesses, reflecting substantial mental and emotional distress. Conclusions: The findings highlight the severe impact of Italy’s welfare crisis on caregivers and underscore the urgent need for policy measures to support informal caregiving networks and alleviate their psychological burden.