Predictors of Caregiver Burden in Caregivers of Bedridden Patients

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Caregivers are at risk of experiencing caregiver burden. It is therefore important to determine the caregiver burden of caregivers who provide care to bedridden patients and related factors. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine the caregiver burden of caregivers who provide care to bedridden patients and the factors that impact this burden. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was executed at a state hospital in Istanbul, Turkey, on bedridden patients registered in the home healthcare unit and their caregivers. During study period, the researchers made 312 visits to patients and their caregivers. A sociodemographic questionnaire, the Burden Interview, and the Katz Index of Independence in Activities of Daily Living were used to collect data. Descriptive statistics, an independent sample t test, one-way analysis of variance, and stepwise multiple regression analysis were used for data analysis. RESULTS: The participants reported a moderate level of caregiver burden. Existing caregiver health problems, caregiver employment status, the ability of the caregiver to maintain his or her own good health, type of home, and the degree of patient dependence in terms of activities of daily living were each found to be significant predictors of caregiver burden. CONCLUSIONS/IMPLICATIONS OF PRACTICE: The support provided to caregivers by home healthcare units is important in terms of protecting the physical, mental, and social health conditions of caregivers and preventing the exacerbation of caregiver burden.