Path analysis of factors influencing burden of family caregivers for COPD patients

Abstract

Objective To discuss the influencing factors of family caregivers′ burden for COPD patients based on the ABC-X model as the theoretical framework. Methods A total of 219 family caregivers for COPD patients were investigated with the general condition questionnaire, the Zarit caregiver burden interview, the sense of coherence-13, the family APGAR index, the simplified coping style questionnaire, and the social disability screening schedule. We examined and adjusted the supposition model by sense of coherence path analysis. Results The total score of care burden was (42.02±15.36) with median level; unity and level of caring from family had negative correlation with the caregivers′ burden (r=-0.43, -0.25; P<0.05). The supposition ABC-X model could explain 58.9% of variation of burden, when it was examined by structural equation. Social function defect degree and family APGAR index could directly affect the care burden of family caregivers, and it also could indirectly affect the burden of family caregivers through the sense of coherence. The sense of coherence was the strongest predictor for care burden of family caregivers. Conclusions The influencing factors of burden of family caregivers for COPD patients come from multiple aspects, including social function defect degree of patients , family solicitude level and the sense of coherence in caregivers, and these factors can interact with each other. Key words: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; Family caregivers; Care burden; ABC-X model; Path analysis