Spiritual well-being and caregiver burden in Alzheimer's caregivers

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between spiritual well-being and caregiver burden in family caregivers of persons with Alzheimer's disease. A descriptive, correlational research design was used, and a convenience sample of 150 caregivers was surveyed (71 African Americans, 77 Caucasians, and 2 other caregivers). Descriptive statistics were used to examine selected caregiver demographics. Statistical analysis included bivariate correlations using the Pearson product-moment coefficient correlation. The study's research question was as follows: What is the relationship between spiritual well-being and caregiver burden? It was hypothesized that there would be an inverse relationship between the 2 variables. A statistically significance inverse relationship (R = -.493, P < or = .01) was found to exist between the variables, thereby supporting the study's hypothesis. Additional findings revealed significant differences in African American and Caucasian caregiver's perception of spiritual well-being and caregiver burden. Caregivers also reported frequent use of spiritual behaviors or practices such as prayer. Findings implicate the need for further investigation and development of culturally relevant caregiver intervention strategies and programs that incorporate spirituality as a core component.