Caregiving burden, psychological distress, and individual characteristics among family members providing daily care to patients with chronic conditions

Abstract

Purpose: This study determined the relationship between care burden and psychological distress among 163 family caregivers of patients with chronic conditions.

Design and methods: This was a cross-sectional study. The Zarit Caregiver Burden for Family Caregiver's Support and Kessler Psychological Distress scales were used for data collection. Multivariate analysis was run using SPSS.

Findings: Most participants reported low levels of care burden and psychological distress. A significant association existed between care burden and psychological distress (β = 0.611, p < 0.05).

Practice complications: It is critical to implement programs to help promote caregivers' understanding of caring and involvement in treatment.

Keywords: care burden; chronic conditions; family caregiver; psychological distress.