Health risk characteristics of Black female informal caregivers on welfare.

This exploratory study examines differences in health risk characteristics and perceived health by caregiver status in two groups of Black women, 37 informal caregivers and 20 noncaregivers, transitioning from welfare to work. Health risk characteristics were assessed with the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale and Healthier People Network Health Risk Appraisal-Version 6. Body mass index (BMI) calculations were based on the standard Centers for Disease Control formula. Perceived health status was assessed using a single-item Cantril ladder. Results show no statistically significant between-group differences in perceived health status, depressive symptoms, frequency of lifestyle behaviors, or BMI. Clinically significant proportions of participants in both groups rated their health as poor or fair; reported mild to severe depressive symptoms; smoked cigarettes; did not perform monthly self-breast exams; were physically inactive, overweight, or obese; and consumed high-fat diets. Black women receiving welfare show increased risk for premature chronic health problems, which warrants development of effective community-based risk-reduction programs.