Caregiving Burden, Social Support, and Psychological Well-being Among Family Caregivers of Older Italians: a Cross-sectional Study

Overview

Journal Front Public Health

Specialty Public Health

Date 2024 Nov 7

PMID 39507659

Authors

Ramona Bongelli

Gianluca Busilacchi

Antonio Pacifico

Michele Fabiani

Carmela Guarascio

Federico Sofritti

Giovanni Lamura

Sara Santini

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to identify factors affecting the psychological well-being of family caregivers of dependent older adults in Italy. Understanding these variables is essential for designing interventions to prevent negative outcomes in at-risk caregivers. The research explored how varying levels of caregiving burden and types of perceived social support influence psychological well-being.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 387 family caregivers of older adults in the Marche region (Italy) between November 2019 and March 2020. Data were collected via a structured questionnaire assessing psychological well-being (WHO-5 Well-Being Index), caregiving burden, and social support (COPE Index). Statistical analyses were performed using Jamovi software, with a significance threshold set at < 0.05.

Results: A significant negative correlation was found between caregiving burden and psychological well-being [ (364) = - 0.540, < 0.001], with caregiving burden being a significant predictor of psychological well-being reduction ( = 0.290; = 150, < 0.001). A threshold value of 2 (on a 1-4 scale) was identified, where caregiving burden predicted a significant reduction in psychological well-being. Conversely, greater perceived social support was positively correlated with better psychological well-being [ (357) = 0.348, < 0.001] and was a significant predictor of it [ = 0.121; = 49.2, < 0.001]. Support from social and health services had the most notable impact on psychological well-being. Moreover, social support mitigated the negative impact of caregiving burden on psychological well-being.

Conclusion: The study confirms that high caregiving burden adversely affects caregivers' psychological well-being, while social support plays a protective role. These findings highlight the need for interventions focused on reducing caregiving burden and enhancing support systems for family caregivers.

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