Factors Predicting Caregiver Burden in Caregivers of Bedridden Older Adults

Abstract

Providing care for bedridden older adults is complex and time-consuming, often impacting the physical and mental health of caregivers, leading to caregiver burden. This correlational predictive study aimed to assess caregiver burden among caregivers of bedridden older adults, and examine factors predicting caregiver burden, including social support, stress, and hours of care per day. Using purposive sampling, the study included 120 caregivers of bedridden older adults who: identified as the primary caregiver, were family members, had been providing unpaid care for at least three months, and resided in Nakhonsawan Province. The research instruments included a personal information questionnaire, the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI), the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression analysis.

The results showed that caregivers of bedridden older adults had an average caregiver burden score that was mild to moderate (M = 24.89, SD = 15.27). Social support, stress, and hours of care per day collectively predicted 29% of the variance in caregiver burden among caregivers of bedridden older adults. Stress was the strongest predictor of caregiver burden (β = 0.51, p < 0.01), followed by social support (β = -0.17, p = 0.03). However, hours of care per day did not significantly predict caregiver burden (β = -0.05, p = 0.54).

The results of this study can provide essential information for nurses, medical personnel, and public health policymakers in designing and developing healthcare services. These services aim to improve access to social support for caregivers of bedridden older adults, helping them manage stress and reduce caregiving burden, ultimately ensuring that bedridden older adults receive effective care.