Interaction between the Caregiver Burdens and Spiritual Orientations of the Families of Children Receiving Home Care Services

Abstract

Objectives: The permanent nature of possession of children receiving home care services (HCS) can represent a severe caregiver burden for parents. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between these parents’ caregiver burdens and spiritual orientation.
 Materials and Methods: The parents of 118 children receiving HCS participated in this cross-sectional, descriptive study. Data were collected using a Sociodemographic Information Form, the Spiritual Orientation Scale (SOS), and the Zarit Caregiver Burden Scale (ZBCS).
 Results: The mother was the caregiver for 39.8% of the children receiving HHS, while both parents provided care for 55.9%. Income was lower than expenditure among 65.3% of caregivers, and 80.5% were housewives. The parents of children aged 1-6 years exhibited lower spiritual orientation levels and a higher caregiver burden than those with older children. Spiritual orientation levels were higher among parents with low education levels and income lower than expenditure. 
 Conclusions: Parents with high spiritual orientation scores were found to perceive a lower caregiver burden. This indicates the need for activities aimed at providing spiritual support for parents.