The typical preteen or adolescent can be found playing sports or video games after school, however, there's a large population of youth who take on the role of caregiver at home.

Researchers found that more than 1.3 million preteens and adolescents spend their free time caring for a family member who suffers from a physical or mental illness, or substance misuse.

According to researcher Julia Belkowitz, these "caregiving youth" are a hidden population who are at risk of school failure and poor health due to the chronic physical and emotional stress of their responsibilities at home.

"This study is an important step toward raising awareness about the issue of caregiving youth," said Dr. Belkowitz, who also is assistant regional dean for student affairs at the regional campus of the Miller School.

For the study, Belkowitz and her colleagues worked with the American Association of Caregiving Youth (AACY) to better understand the experiences of caregiving youth in Palm Beach County, Fla. They also studied the impact of services provided by AACY to caregiving youth, including a support system, skills-building classes, home health and community resources, tutoring and respite services along with sponsored fun activities.

They analyzed approximately 550 intake forms completed by the AACY with youth caregivers. The forms included information on demographics, caregiving activities and health status collected at eight middle schools in Florida. They also reviewed 200 family intake forms completed when a social worker conducted a home visit with the families, as well as feedback forms completed annually by youth participating in AACY activities.

Youth caregivers reported spending a median of 2.5 hours each school day and four hours each weekend day performing caregiving tasks at home. Estimates of median caregiving task time reported by family members were slightly lower at 1.5 hours on weekdays and 2.25 hours on weekend days.

These tasks include assisting family members with getting around, eating, dressing, toileting, bathing and continence care. Youth caregivers also kept the family member company, provided emotional support, cleaned the house, shopped for groceries, administered medications, translated in clinical settings and handled medical equipment at home.

Belkowitz said the AACY is developing partnerships throughout the nation to further understand the "caregiving youth" population and expand programming to provide the resources and support these young people need and deserve.

The findings will be presented at the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) National Conference & Exhibition in San Diego.