What Types of Burden Experienced by Family Caregivers of Dementia Patients Are Related to Their Life Satisfaction?

Abstract

Background: As the burdens related to dementia caregiving are vast, this study aimed to examine the relationship between life satisfaction and different types of burden reported by family caregivers of patients with dementia.

Methods: Data from the 2019 Korea Community Health Survey were used. The association between life satisfaction and caregiving burden reported by family caregivers of patients with dementia was investigated using multivariable regression analysis. These burdens resulted from social prejudice and temporal, physical, psychological, or economic reasons. Life Satisfaction was measured using the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development Better Life Index. Subgroup analysis was performed based on the residing status of patients with dementia and the region of residence of the caregiver.

Results: Data of 12 617 participants were analyzed. Compared with individuals with no burden, those who reported a burden due to temporal (β = -0.23, p = .003), psychological (β = -0.18, p < .001), and economic (β = -0.27, p < .001) demands showed poorer levels of life satisfaction. These tendencies were maintained in caregivers residing with patients and those providing care for institutionalized patients. Regarding the region where the caregiver lived, for those living in rural regions, burdens related to social prejudice or economical demands were associated with poor life satisfaction.

Conclusion: Family caregivers reporting caregiving-related burdens for temporal, psychological, or economic reasons had lower life satisfaction. These findings suggest the importance of considering caregiver's different needs and conditions when implementing coping strategies when caring for individuals with dementia.

Keywords: Caregivers; Caregiving burden; Dementia; Life satisfaction.