Determinants of Caregiver Burden Among Primary Family Caregivers of Bedridden Older Adults Living at Home.

Abstract

Background: Bedridden older adults require comprehensive care as they cannot perform daily activities independently and rely on their caregivers for their well-being. Limited studies have investigated perceived caregiving burden in this population, or the factors associated with this burden.

Propose: This study aimed to examine the caregiving duration and perceived caregiver burden level of family caregivers of bedridden older adults and to identify factors influencing caregiver burden.

Methods: This cross-sectional study recruited 120 participant dyads from a Central Thai province. Dyads included 1 bedridden older adult and their family caregiver. Bedridden older adults answered interviewer-administered questionnaires, and family caregivers completed self-reported questionnaires. These included demographic questions, caregiving information, the Zarit Burden Interview, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, and the Perceived Stress Scale. Data were analyzed using bivariate and multivariate tests.

Results: The average caregiving time was 6.84 h/day, and caregivers reported mild-to-moderate burden levels. The multiple regression model explained 34.8% of the variance in caregiver burden. Higher caregiver burden was significantly associated with greater levels of perceived stress (β = 0.49, P < .001), being a spouse of the care recipient (β = -0.20, P < .01), and lower levels of perceived social support (β = -0.16, P = .04).

Conclusion: This study highlights the need for nurses to develop and test culturally tailored interventions that are effective in supporting family caregivers in caregiving responsibilities. Results suggest that strengthening caregivers' social support, offering support for spouse and married caregivers, and reducing caregiver stress are areas for interventions.