The Effect of Psychological Resilience and Self-Efficacy on Caregiver Burden: A Cross-Sectional Study Among Caregivers of People With Alzheimer's Disease.

Abstract

Aims: The aim of this study is to determine the psychological resilience and self-efficacy levels of caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer's disease and to examine the effects of these variables on the caregiver burden.

Design: A cross-sectional, quantitative design was used.

Methods: The study was conducted in the neurology outpatient clinic of a university hospital between March and July 2022. The sample of the study consisted of caregivers of 105 individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. Data were collected using the "Zarit Burden Interview," the "Revised Scale for Caregiving Self-Efficacy," and the "Resilience Scale Short Form." In the study, descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation analysis were employed, and the stepwise multiple regression model was applied.

Results: It was determined that caregivers had a moderate to severe caregiving burden (43.57 ± 16.58) and a moderate level of psychological resilience (20.24 ± 5.96) and self-efficacy (62.84 ± 15.96). The stepwise regression analysis results showed that a lower mini mental state score (β = -0.821; p < 0.001), low caregiver income status (β = -0.201; p < 0.008), inadequate social support (β = -0.155; p < 0.030), shorter duration of Alzheimer's disease diagnosis (β = -0.323; p < 0.001), advanced age (β = -0.299; p < 0.001), and prolonged caregiving (β = -0.216; p < 0.005) were the main predictors of caregiver burden. In addition, the levels of caregiver's self-efficacy in obtaining respite (β = -0.340; p < 0.001), psychological resilience (β = -0.293; p < 0.001), and self-efficacy in controlling upsetting thoughts (β = -0.240; p < 0.001) about caregiving predicted caregiver burden significantly.

Conclusion: The resilience and self-efficacy levels of caregivers predicted caregiver burden significantly. As the psychological resilience and self-efficacy levels of caregivers increase, caregiver burden may decrease significantly.

Patient or public contribution: PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: Interviews were conducted with the research participants to collect data. Our findings can be used to develop interventions and coping strategies to reduce the care burden of caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer's disease and to improve their resilience and self-efficacy.

Reporting method: The results were reported in accordance with STROBE guidelines.