Factors Influencing Quality of Life Among Family Caregivers From Low- to Middle-Income Households Caring for Individuals With Severe Disabilities: A Preliminary Study.

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to examine changes in the quality of life (QoL) of novice family caregivers from low- to middle-income households after receiving 6 months of home nursing care support. Additionally, it sought to identify factors influencing their QoL.

Methods: A longitudinal design using structured questionnaires was adopted. Participants were novice family caregivers for individuals with severe disabilities in central Taiwan and qualified for low- to middle-income subsidies. Assessments occurred at baseline, 3 and 6 months. The questionnaire covered demographics and the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, repeated-measures ANOVA and mixed-effects models.

Results: A total of 50 participants (31 females; mean age = 53.72 years) were enrolled. Participants' QoL scores significantly improved after 6 months of home nursing care. Closer relationships with the care recipients were significantly associated with higher QoL in the psychological, social relationships and environmental domains. Having access to stress relief channels or activities was linked to better physical health. Longer daily caregiving hours were associated with better QoL in physical health and environmental domains, while more caregiving days per week were positively related to better physical and psychological QoL.

Conclusion: The QoL among low- to middle-income family caregivers significantly improved after 6 months of home nursing care. Key factors affecting QoL included the closeness of the caregiver-care recipient relationship, availability of stress relief activities, daily caregiving hours and weekly caregiving frequency.