Impact of Spare Time on Improving Anemia Data and the Maintenance of Physical Function in Elderly Caregivers with Chronic Fatigue

Background: Caregivers reportedly have lower hemoglobin levels compared to non-caregivers. Anemia is associated with decreased physical capacity and increased mortality. Caregivers feel burdened, and experience burnout and fatigue from caring for elderly people on a daily basis. Improving the general endurance of caregivers may lead to improvements in their psychiatric symptoms and quality of life. This study aimed to examine whether securing spare time among caregivers improves anemia symptoms. Methods: The study targeted caregivers aged ≥65 years who cared for a family member at home. Participants were randomly assigned to either an intervention group or a control group. The intervention group was asked to create and secure spare time in their caregiving routine. The control group was asked to continue with their normal caregiving routine. Blood data, including red blood cell count (RBC), hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (HT), MCV, MCH, and MCHC, were collected at baseline and six months later and used to assess anemia. Variables for anemia in both groups were compared using t-tests. Results were considered significant when P<0.05. This study was approved by the