[Caregiver burden and associated factors in family caregivers in the Community of Galicia, Spain]

Abstract

Introduction: Most of existing work on burden among family caregivers has methodological sample constraints. Moreover, there is contradictory information regarding sociodemographic variables, especially those related to care, clinical variables, and burden. Few studies have analysed the self-esteem and personality characteristics as correlates of burden. In this study, an analysis is performed on the prevalence of burden among family caregivers and the relationship with their sociodemographic, care-related, and clinical characteristics.

Materials and methods: The study consisted of a randomly selected sample of 294 family caregivers (mean age 55.3years, 89.8% women) from the Autonomous Region of Galicia, Spain. Trained psychologists assessed the presence of burden via the Zarit Caregiver Burden Interview (CBI). Information was also collected on sociodemographic, care-related variables, social support, personality characteristics, and self-esteem.

Results: More than half (55.4%) of the surveyed caregivers exhibited burden (CBI>24), with mean score of 27.3 (SD=13.3). Not being employed outside the home and having higher scores in neuroticism were associated with a greater probability of presenting with burden, while being older and having higher social support were associated with a lower risk.

Conclusions: A significant number of caregivers suffered from burden in the current study. Psychotherapeutic interventions need to be developed for those who are already suffering from burden, as well as prevention strategies for those who have not yet developed it.

Keywords: Burden; Correlates; Correlatos; Cuidadores familiares; Family caregivers; Sobrecarga.