Caregiving Process Research Articles

Caregiver Reactions: A Cross Sectional Study on Caregivers of People with Dementia

Background: It is necessary to know comprehensively the caregiving reactions of caregivers and the affecting factors in order to improve the caregiving process. Objective: To determine the caregiving reactions of caregivers of people with dementia and the affecting factors. Method: The study was conducted with descriptive cross-sectional design. The sample consisted of 113 caregivers. Data was collected between January 2020 and January 2021.The t-test, Pearson’s correlation analysis, and multiple linear regression analysis were used. Results: The mean age of the caregivers was 54.95±11.242 and 77.9% of them were female. The mean scores of CRA subscales were 2.36±0.856 in the Financial Problems (7 variables in the models accounted for 34% of the variance-F = 5.326; R2 =.343; p = .000), 2.31 ± 0.886 in Lack of Family Support (3 variables accounted for 11% of the variance-F = 4.378; R2 = .108; p = .006), 2.75 ± 0.941 in Health Problems (10 variables accounted for 35% of the variance-F= 3.473; R2 = .349; p = .000), 3.33±0.955 in Disrupted Schedule (10 variables accounted for44% of the variance-F = 5.558; R2 = .443; p = .000), and 4.01 ± 0.595 in Caregiver’s Self- Esteem. Conclusion: The results of study highlight the importance of promoting a more holistic perspective toward caregiving for healthcare professionals.

Exploring caregiver experiences of communicating with children about differences of sex development (DSD)

ObjectiveExplore the caregiver experience of communicating about differences of sex development (DSD) with their children. Evidence-based guidance regarding how, when, and what information is shared by caregivers is lacking and is needed to inform optimal information sharing strategies for this population. MethodsQualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 caregivers of children with DSD, recruited from 3 multidisciplinary DSD clinics. Interviews were transcribed and coded using thematic analysis. ResultsFour major themes were generated: (1) communicate openly and honestly, (2) information sharing starts at a young age and occurs over time, (3) caregivers and providers should empower children with DSD by sharing positive messages to promote self-confidence and actively engaging them in their medical care, and (4) caregivers should understand and acknowledge the connection between gender identity and DSD to create a supportive environment for children experiencing gender dysphoria. ConclusionTransparent and developmentally-appropriate information sharing by caregivers with their children is essential for educating, empowering, and supporting children with DSD. Communicating with children about DSD can be a complex process for caregivers, and healthcare providers have a key role in supporting caregiver-child communication and increasing access to education and support resources.

Barriers and facilitators for the adoption of peritoneal dialysis: protocol for a systematic review of qualitative studies

IntroductionPeritoneal dialysis (PD) is an effective home-based treatment for end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) that offers several advantages over in-centre haemodialysis, including better quality of life, increased autonomy and lower costs....

Caring for Carers: Association between Care-giving and Quality of Life of Family Carers of Spinal Cord Injury Survivors in Pakistan

Caring for someone with a spinal cord injury (SCI) has always been a family endeavor in developed as well as developing countries like Pakistan. Majority of people with SCI need assistance of others to carry out daily life activities i.e., eating, self-care, transportation and this functional dependence of patients on their attendant affect Quality of Life (QOL) of caregivers. Present study was designed to find the relationship between caregiver burden, psychosocial factors and QOL among caregivers. Caregiver Burden Inventory-SCI and WHOQOL was used to measure study variables. Cross-sectional research design having purposive sampling technique was used to gather data from spinal units of various hospitals of Pakistan. Sample size includes N= 255 family caregivers of SCI patients. Correlation analyses were applied to find the relationship between psychosocial factors, caregiver burden and QOL. Results showed that caregiver burden was significantly negatively correlated with quality of life and positively correlated with care-giving hours, duration of injury, and number of helpers involved in care-giving process. Furthermore, female caregivers showed high level caregiver burden and low levels of quality of life as compared to male counterparts. Similarly, married persons scored higher on caregiver burden and whose patients had paraplegic nature of injury. In Pakistan, there are no respite care programs for carers, The abovementioned findings are helpful in planning psychotherapeutic interventions and tailored caregiver training programs to lessen the impact of caregiver burden on caregivers and to boost their quality of life.

The hidden costs of informal caregiving: a concept analysis

Background“The hidden costs of informal caregiving” is an interdisciplinary concept. While caregivers make a significant contribution to the process of caregiving, they sacrifice their leisure time, and incur risks of dropping out of the job, impaired mental and physical health, and decreased well-being within the context of caregiving. Those invisible sacrifices are often overlooked and described as hidden costs of informal caregiving. However, the conceptualisation of hidden costs of informal caregiving has not yet been clarified and scientifically assessed. The research aimed to clarify the concept of hidden costs of informal caregiving and develop an operational definition.MethodsWalker and Avant’s concept analysis was conducted. Databases of CBM, CNKI, WanFang, VIP, PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Econlit, CINAHL and ProQuest were searched with the term “hidden costs of informal caregiving”. Information about the uses of the concept, defining attributes, model cases, antecedents, consequences and empirical referents of hidden costs of informal caregiving was extracted and synthesized.ResultsA total of 25 articles were included. The six defining attributes of hidden costs of informal caregiving were identified as including “undertaken by informal caregivers”, “the time costs of caregiving”, “costs of career development” “physical well-being costs”, “mental well-being costs” and “social relationship costs”. Personal characteristics of the caregivers and care recipients, along with caregiving attributes, were among the antecedents. The consequences of hidden costs of informal caregiving resulted in negative influences which included poor quality of life, life-altering decisions, options for the type of care, some degree of economic hardship, decreased compliance with treatment plans and monetary value informal caregivers are willing to pay to be replaced.ConclusionThis concept analysis decisively illuminated the hitherto nebulous concept and expanded the contents of hidden costs of informal caregiving, which will foster a deeper appreciation of the invisible cost of caregivers. Moreover, it will provide a reference for the study of the hidden costs of informal caregiving in future, contribute to the development of assessment tools and theoretical models of hidden costs of informal caregiving, and create a basis for designing an evidence-based care program.

Cognitive status, psychological state and needs of caregivers for elderly patients with home-induced pressure injuries: a qualitative study.

Aims/Background Pressure injury stands as a global healthcare concern, primarily affecting elderly individuals. As the ageing of the global population shows no signs of slowing down, both society and the families of the affected individuals continue to bear the brunt of the consequences of pressure injuries. The majority of pressure injury cases are managed at home, and the occurrence and progression of pressure injuries in the elderly are closely associated with informal caregivers. This study aims to qualitatively explore the cognitive status of caregivers for elderly patients with home-induced pressure injuries, as well as their psychological state and needs during the caregiving process. Methods This research is qualitative, descriptive, and phenomenological in nature. A purposive sampling method was used. Eighteen caregivers of elderly patients with pressure injuries were selected from Jiangnan University Medical Centre as interviewees from June 2023 to August 2023. Semi-structured interviews were utilised to collect data regarding the caregivers' cognition, psychological state, and care-related needs while caring for elderly patients with home-induced pressure injuries. The data were then organised and analysed using Colaizzi's phenomenological analysis method and NVivo 11.0. Results Through the analysis of interview data from caregivers of elderly patients with home-induced pressure injuries, three main themes and nine subthemes were identified. The data analysis also revealed that the caregivers surveyed lacked the crucial awareness of preventing pressure injuries and that their caregiving practices were not up to standards. During the caregiving process, they were challenged with substantial stress while also experiencing negative emotions such as anxiety or depression. They had a strong desire for persistent medical support to alleviate the psychological and emotional challenges. Conclusion The findings of this study establish a collaborative relationship network among the hospitals, family, medical staff, and caregivers in the management of pressure injuries, but with a special attention to the caregivers' needs for disease-related knowledge and psychophysical support. Such relationships streamline communication between medical staff, patients, and their caregivers, facilitating the adoption of active and correct methods by caregivers to prevent and care for pressure injuries. This can positively impact the quality of care for pressure injuries, further improving the life quality of patients and their caregivers, controlling the incidence of pressure injuries, and reducing readmission rates.

Influences on Father Intentions to Engage in Caregiving

Promoting father engagement in caregiving behaviors is a global health priority to improve individual, child, family, and community health. The purpose of this study was to explore barriers and passages to caregiving as experienced by engaged fathers as additional findings of a constructivist grounded theory study on the social process of caregiving in fathers. Through convenience and snowball sampling, 35 participants participated in the study. Data analysis occurred through coding for positive and negative influences utilizing an iterative categorization matrix. Negative influences, or barriers, included preoccupation, exhaustion, controlling forces, and social culture. Positive influences, or passages, included love, expectations, lifestyle, and support. The results of this study are discussed in perspective of the Theory of Caregiving in Fathers, which was created from the original constructivist grounded theory study. The findings of this study can inform targeted tools and interventions to support ongoing challenges to caregiving by fathers.

Exploring the Influence of Contextual Factors and the Caregiving Process on Caregiver Burden and Quality of Life Outcomes of Heart Failure (HF) Dyads after a Hospital Discharge: A Mixed-Methods Study.

Background: This study explores heart failure (HF) dyadic contextual factors and caregiver burden during acute exacerbation hospitalization and discharge. Methods: It employed a mixed-methods approach, with HF dyads completing questionnaires and semi-structured interviews at a one-week post-discharge outpatient visit. Quantitative tools included the SF-12 Quality of Life, Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI), Bakas Caregiving Outcomes Scale (BCOS), and Self-Care of Heart Failure Index v. 6 (SCHFI). Thematic analysis was conducted on interview data to assess caregiver burden, disease trajectory, comorbidities, caregiving time, and employment status. Results: Twelve HF dyads participated, with caregivers (six female, six male) averaging 65.76 years. The ZBI indicated a low caregiver burden (median score of 15), but qualitative data revealed a higher perceived burden related to social isolation, future fears, and caregiver dependence. Male caregivers reported a lower burden than females. Positive goal congruence was noted in caregiving hours and HF management compliance. HF patients had a 10-year survival prediction of 22.75% per the Charlson Comorbidity Index, with 69% in NYHA class III and an average ejection fraction of 37.7%. Caregivers working full-time and caring for higher NYHA-class patients showed higher ZBI and BCOS scores. Conclusions: The study highlights the need for mixed methods and longitudinal research to understand HF disease trajectory and caregiver burden, emphasizing the importance of including caregivers in HF education and screening for perceived burden to improve outcomes and reduce re-hospitalizations.

Purpose in life among haemodialysis caregivers: Links with adaptive coping, caregiver burden, and psychological distress.

Research has evidenced that purpose in life helps to minimise the strains of providing informal care to a significant other, but little is known about whether this psychological resource influences the paths from stressors to the health outcomes of family caregiving and through which mechanisms it can exert this protective effect. This study aimed to explore the moderating role of purpose in life on the (mediated through adaptive coping) relationship between caregiver burden and psychological distress in haemodialysis caregivers. A cross-sectional study was conducted with a convenience sample of family caregivers (n=173; M=55.9, SD=15.6years old) of adults undergoing haemodialysis. A moderated-mediation model was computed to explore the interaction effects of purpose in life on the path between burden and distress, having adaptive coping behaviours as parallel mediators. Results showed that purpose in life had a buffering effect on the mediated (through acceptance coping) relationship between burden and distress (index of partial moderated-mediation: bsimple=-0.029, 95% bootstrap confidence interval (CI) [-0.070, -0.002]), and that this conditional effect was lowest at high levels of the moderator (at +1SD: bsimple=0.038, SE=0.026, 95% bootstrap CI [0.001, 0.098]). Use of emotional support (F(1,159)=4.395, p=0.038) and positive reframing (F(1,159)=5.648, p=0.019) also mediated this path. This study expands knowledge about the modifiable internal resources through which purpose in life can help promote psychosocial adjustment to the haemodialysis caregiving process. Mental health promotion initiatives aimed at this population need to consider combining different intervention approaches to foster purpose in life and train adaptive (and flexible) coping skills.

Caregiver burden, mental health, quality of life and self-efficacy of family caregivers of persons with dementia in Malaysia: baseline results of a psychoeducational intervention study

BackgroundThe majority of persons with dementia (PWD) are mainly cared for by their family members in the home. Evidence is however scarce on family caregivers’ psychosocial burden and quality of life in Asian countries including Malaysia. This study describes the baseline data of a telephone-delivered psychoeducational intervention study and examines the determinants of outcome measures (caregiver burden, depressive and anxiety symptoms, quality of life and caregiving self-efficacy) among Malaysian family caregivers to PWD.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study originated from the baseline survey of a randomized control trial of 121 family caregivers recruited from lists of PWD who were registered at memory and psychiatry clinics in three tertiary care hospitals in Malaysia. The participants were assessed for caregiver burden by the Zarit Burden Interview, depressive and anxiety symptoms by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, quality of life by the Control, Autonomy, Self-Realization, and Pleasure Scale, and caregiving self-efficacy by the Revised Scale for Caregiving Self-Efficacy.ResultsPrevalence of caregiver burden was 69.4%, depressive symptoms 32.2% and anxiety symptoms 32.2%. Family caregivers to PWD having perceived peer support e.g., social/family/friend/significant other supports were less likely to report caregiver burden, depressive and anxiety symptoms, and more likely to report higher levels of quality of life and caregiving self-efficacy. Being married and PWD’s ability to self-care were associated with lesser likelihood of experiencing caregiver burden, depressive and anxiety symptoms. The other determinants of greater probability of reporting better quality of life were caregivers’ employment and having Islamic faith. Marital status (married), PWD’s ability to self-care, spousal relationship with PWD and shared caregiving process were associated with higher likelihood of reporting caregiving self-efficacy.ConclusionCaregiver burden, depressive and anxiety symptoms are prevalent in family caregivers to PWD in Malaysia. Social support and caregiving related factors influence family caregivers’ quality of life and caregiving self-efficacy. Implementing psychoeducational intervention and support in the psychiatry and memory clinics may help improve the psychosocial burden, quality of life and caregiving self-efficacy in family caregivers of PWD.Trial registrationISRCTN14565552 (retrospectively registered).

Caregiving for Patients with Atrial Fibrillation: A Systematic Review of the Scientific Literature.

Caregiving processes and outcomes have been increasingly articulated in the cardiovascular literature, particularly in heart failure and coronary artery disease, but there has been no synthesis on caregiving for a patient with atrial fibrillation (AF). This review synthesized scientific evidence that describes caregiving in the context of AF, with the aim of informing future research priorities for AF caregiving or clinical approaches that may support these caregivers. Informed by PRISMA guidelines, we conducted a mixed methods systematic review with a data-based convergence design using a thematic synthesis approach. All studies that examined factors related to caregiving for patients with AF, either as a descriptive, predictor, or outcome variable, were included. After the search, data from thirteen studies were abstracted; half of the studies (53%) were of low to moderate quality. Changes to the family unit and feelings of uncertainty are common post-AF; a subset of caregivers struggle with mental health challenges, particularly those who are unwell themselves or those who provide several hours of care to patients with more advanced symptoms or limitations. Informational support for caregivers appears to be lacking but was desired to better adapt to the changes or consequences incurred from AF. This review complements findings from previous reviews conducted in other cardiovascular disease sub-groups. As there is still limited high-quality research on caregiving in an AF context, additional research is required to adequately inform supportive programming for caregivers of patients with AF, if indicated.

Decision Regret and Decision-Making Process among Caregivers of Older Adults Receiving Home Care: A Cross-Sectional Study

ObjectivesFamily caregivers of older adults receiving home care often find themselves in situations in which they must make important and difficult decisions, which can cause conflict and regret. To tailor shared decision making in this context, we aimed to identify the most difficult decisions they faced, assess their levels of decision regret, and explore the associated factors. DesignThis study used a cross-sectional design. Setting and ParticipantsParticipants included 165 caregivers of older adults who received home care services in Korea. MethodsWe identified difficult decisions perceived by family caregivers of older adults and evaluated decision regret using the Decision Regret Scale (DRS), decisional conflict using the Decisional Conflict Scale (DCS), burden of care using the Short Zarit Burden Inventory, and Preference Control Scale (PCS). We then performed descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate linear regression analyses to identify factors predicting decision regret. ResultsThe most frequently reported difficult decisions were related to place of living (71.6%), management of health conditions (15.1%), and end-of-life decisions (13.3%). The mean DCS score was 37.09 (12.67), the DRS score was 32.33 (15.91), and the burden score was 21.81 (8.25). Matching decisions with preferences and aligning decision-making roles significantly reduced regret, while decision conflicts increased regret. Conclusions and ImplicationsThe positive associations between decision regret, decision conflict, and the alignment of decision-making roles highlight the intricate dynamics involved in the decision-making process for family caregivers. These findings emphasize the need for tailored interventions that recognize and address the diverse factors influencing caregivers’ decision-making experiences. Future research exploring the efficacy of targeted interventions such as decision-support programs or caregiver education initiatives could offer valuable insights into mitigating decision-related challenges and improving the overall well-being of both caregivers and care recipients.

Predictors of perceived caregiver strain in carers of patients living with heart failure: data from a collectivist society

Abstract Background Informal caregivers are individuals voluntarily caring for someone facing a disease, disability, or any condition requiring particular attention.1 They provide around 90% of in-home care and play a key role in supporting the wellbeing and care of people living with chronic illnesses.2 Such diagnoses alter roles within the family unit and cause feelings of uncertainty, anxiety, depression, resentment, among others. This is true in caregivers of patients living with Heart Failure [HF]. High care dependency and lack of formal support for caregiving have increased the prevalence of caregiver strain. Purpose To describe caregiver strain and identify its determinants among caregivers of patients living with HF. Methods This was a cross-sectional correlational study. Caregivers were assessed for caregiver strain (Modified Caregiver Strain Index [MCSI]), social support (Carers of Older People in Europe Index [COPE]), and quality of life (QOL; Short Form 12). MCSI scores were compared across dyadic variables and then used as the outcome variables to create the regression model. Results 108 patients (age 63.54 ± 10.52 years, 70.4% males, 81.55% married) and caregivers (age 49.37 ± 13.69 years, 14.8% males, 82.2% married) were included. More than 80% of the dyads lived in the same household. Caregivers have been assuming this role for an average of 8.53 years and a mean of 37.73 hours per week. Almost 50% of the caregivers reported providing minimal care for their patient while 35% reported providing full care. An alarming 67.6% of the dyads were considered discordant and did not agree on how and by who the care is performed. Caregiver strain was average in this sample with a mean of 11.32 ± 6.94. Caregivers who provided full care had significantly higher caregiver strain (13.75 ± 6.16 versus 9.82 ± 7.16; F (2,76) = 3.329, p = 0.041). Poor caregiver perceived quality of the dyad was significantly associated with higher caregiver strain (16.07 ± 6 versus 10.71 ± 6.9; p < 0.001). Caregivers of symptomatic patients had lower caregiver strain than caregivers of asymptomatic patients (9.90 ± 7.43 versus 12.69 ± 6.21; p = 0.019). Being stressed in caregiving was significantly associated with higher caregiver strain (r = 0.774; p < 0.001). Having lower physical and/or mental QOL were associated with higher strain (r = -0.291 and -0.536 respectively; p < 0.001). Finally, a higher negative impact from caregiving, a lower mental and physical QOL, and a lower relationship quality explained about 63% of the variance in Caregiver Strain (F = 44.001; p < 0.001). Conclusion Knowledge from this study will help place caregivers’ health at the core of caregiving processes. HF nurses and physicians should start giving special attention to caregivers of HF patients who show signs if high caregiver strain. Interventions to reduce strain should be designed to address caregivers’ appraisal of dyad relationship quality, instrumental social support, and QOL.

Caregiving information needs of family caregivers of adolescent patients with suicide attempts: a qualitative study in China

BackgroundIn the cultural milieu of China, family caregivers assume a pivotal role in the post-adolescent suicide attempt recovery journey. Nevertheless, they frequently encounter a dearth of requisite knowledge and information pertaining to the appropriate caregiving protocols for these adolescents. Notwithstanding, scholarly investigation into the informational requisites of this demographic concerning caregiving remains significantly constrained.MethodsBetween September and December 2023, a phenomenological approach was applied in qualitative research. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with 15 family caregivers of adolescents who had experienced suicide attempts. The amassed data underwent systematic organization and analysis through the utilization of the Colaizzi method.ResultsFour primary themes were identified: (1) negative emotional encounters; (2) requirements for addressing dilemmas; (3) addressing the needs of the unknown; and (4) insufficient access to support.ConclusionsFamily caregivers experience complex negative emotions upon learning about a teenager’s suicide attempt. Throughout the caregiving process, they face numerous challenges, with apparent lack of external support, leading to an increased urgent need for caregiving information. Healthcare professionals, especially nurses, should actively identify and respond to the informational needs of family caregivers when caring for adolescents who have attempted suicide. This includes providing education on various coping mechanisms and support strategies, as well as assisting them in better understanding how to effectively manage the stress and challenges of caregiving. By doing so, healthcare professionals can help alleviate the psychological and emotional burden on family caregivers, thereby enhancing their caregiving abilities and overall well-being.

Assessment of Factors and Level of Patient Satisfaction in Out-patient Department of a Private Hospital

Background: Measurement of patient satisfaction in the outpatient department (OPD) of a hospital can be used to evaluate and redesign the process of caregiving and to improve the quality of services. Sometimes study findings depend on the setting.Objectives: a) To identify the factors associated with the patient's experience, and satisfaction about health care services of Out-patient department(OPD) of Khwaja Yunus Ali Medical College Hospital receives multidisciplinary health services. b) To measure the satisfaction level regarding doctors, health assistance, and other auxiliary staff working in OPD to help patients.Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 914 patients of age ranging from 1 to 80 years selected randomly from OPD between January 2021 and May 2021. A self-designed semi-structured questionnaire was developed to assess patients' satisfaction with health care services. Statistical analysis was done by online computer software.Results: Overall 92.23 % of the patients were satisfied with the behaviour of the doctors and 75.93 % were satisfied with the services of other staff, and the remaining 7.77% were unsatisfied with doctors' behaviour and 24 % with other staff services respectively.Conclusions: The percentages of unsatisfied patients were deficient. Various deficiencies should always be covered by the hospital administration that will turn into a good result of improvement in the hospital services for more satisfaction of the patients. KYAMC Journal Volume: 14, No: 04, January 2024: 234-239.

Experience and training needs of nurses in military hospital on emergency rescue at high altitude: a qualitative meta-synthesis

BackgroundNurses play an important role in the treatment of war wounds on the plateau, and they face multiple challenges and a variety of needs in their caregiving process. This study aimed to systematically integrate and evaluate qualitative research data to understand the altitude emergency rescue experience and training needs of nurses in military hospitals and provide them with targeted assistance.MethodsWe critically assessed the study using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Assessment Checklist for Qualitative Research. Extraction, summarization and meta-synthesis of qualitative data. Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, FMRS, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Database (CECDB), VIP Database, and China Biomedical Database (CBM) were searched for relevant studies published from the establishment of the database to May 2023. Additionally, we conducted a manual search of the references of the identified studies. Registered on the PROSPERO database (CRD42024537104).ResultsA total of 17 studies, including 428 participants, were included, and 139 research results were extracted, summarized into 10 new categories, and formed 3 meta-themes. Meta-theme 1: mental state of military nurses during deployment. Meta-theme 2: the experience of military nurses during deployment. Meta-theme 3: training needs for emergency care.ConclusionsEmergency rescue of high-altitude war injuries is a challenging process. Leaders should pay full attention to the feelings and needs of military nurses during the first aid process and provide them with appropriate support.

Caring for a parent with dementia: The psychological well-being of adult children

BackgroundCaregiving for a parent with dementia has both positive and negative influences on psychological well-being of adult children and perceived social support plays an essential role in dementia caregiving process. ObjectivesWe examined how the degree of caregiving intensity influences mental health among Chinese adult children then further explored how perceived social support influences the relationship between intensity and psychological well-being. Research design and settingCross-sectional study in Kunming, mainland China between November 2022 and January 2023. MethodsWe interviewed 320 adult dementia child caregivers. Linear regression and multiple mediation analysis using Hayes’ process model were used to assess the relationship between caregiving intensity and psychological well-being, as well as the mediating role of perceived social support. ResultsThe study found that caregiving intensity was positively associated with depression and negatively associated with life satisfaction. A lack of perceived social support exacerbated these effects for the adult children. Specifically, the caregivers reported higher caregiving intensity when they perceived less family support, which is in turn associated with greater depression and lower life satisfaction among the caregivers. Likewise, those who reported higher caregiving intensity was reported lower friend support, which was in turn associated with greater depression. Conclusions and implicationsThe findings emphasize the importance of social support, especially family support, and the necessity for health practitioners to provide targeted interventions on both negative and positive aspects of psychological well-being among dementia caregivers and to strengthen caregivers’ resources for social support to enhance their well-being. While these findings are cross-sectional, it is logical to assume that those who perceive less support feel that their caregiving responsibilities are more intense, and that intensity could cause the caregiver to withdraw from friends.

Coping style and benefit finding among informal caregivers of patients with lung cancer: a moderated mediation model of co-caregivers and caregiving capability

Benefit finding (BF), as a positive psychological response, has the potential to alleviate caregiving stress for informal caregivers. However, the impact of coping style and caregiving capability on the perception of BF throughout the caregiving process still needs to be explored, particularly in light of the changing caregiving situation. This study aimed (1) to explore the correlation among coping style, caregiving capability, and BF; (2) to determine whether caregiving capability mediates the relationship between coping style and BF; and (3) to determine whether this mediating effect varies with the caregiving situation. A cross-sectional study was conducted. 272 participants completed the Sociodemographic Questionnaire, Simplified Coping Style Questionnaire, Family Caregiver Task Inventory, and Benefit Finding Scale. Correlation analysis and multiple stepwise regression were used for data analysis; Hayes’ PROCESS macro was used to determine the significance of the moderated mediation analysis. The results showed that (1) Coping style and BF were positively correlated, while caregiving capability was negatively correlated with coping style and BF. (2) Caregiving capability partially mediated the relationship between coping styles and BF. (3) Co-caregivers moderated the direct path of the relationship between coping style and BF, showing a substitution relationship. Improving the caregiving capability may be a novel approach to enhancing BF. Nursing staff should start with a positive coping style and caregiving capability and consider the factors of caregiving situations (co-caregivers) to maximize the intervention effect.

The Relations of Social Support and Well-Being in Mothers of Children with Special Needs During The COVID-19 Pandemic: The Mediating Role of Caregiving Burden

This study explores the relationship between social support and well-being in mothers of children with special needs during the COVID-19 pandemic with a specific focus on the mediating role of caregiving burden. The research investigates the challenges faced by families with special needs children, particularly mothers, due to the pandemic-related closure of schools and rehabilitation centers. The closure has intensified the caregiving burden on mothers, requiring full-time support for their children at home. Existing literature suggests a significant impact on the psychological well-being of families with special needs children, emphasizing the need for attention to this vulnerable group during the pandemic. The study formulates hypotheses related to the negative correlation between family support and caregiving burden, the negative correlation between caregiving burden and psychological well-being, and the positive correlation between family support and psychological well-being. Additionally, it hypothesizes that caregiving burden mediates the relationship between family support and psychological well-being. Using a relational research approach, the study employs a quantitative method to analyze data collected from 321 participants. The demographic information of the participants, including age, working condition, marital status, and the type of disability of their children, is presented. Data collection instruments include a Sociodemographic Information Form, Family Support Scale, Caregiving Burden Scale, and Psychological Well-being Scale. Results indicated a positive relationship between family support and psychological well-being, as well as a negative relationship between caregiving burden and psychological well-being. The mediation analysis confirmed that caregiving burden significantly mediates the relationship between family support and psychological well-being. The findings highlighted the crucial role of family support in enhancing the psychological well-being of mothers with special needs children. Additionally, the study emphasized the negative impact of increased caregiving burden on psychological well-being. These results contribute to the understanding of the challenges faced by families with special needs children during the COVID-19 pandemic and underscore the importance of targeted interventions to support this vulnerable group. Future research may explore strategies to involve fathers in the caregiving process and further enhance maternal mental health.

The Relationship Between Preparedness for Caregiving and Spiritual Well-Being in the Carers of Stroke Patients: A Case Study in Türkiye

This study was conducted to determine the relationship between preparedness for caregiving and spiritual well-being in the carers of stroke patients. This descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted with 130 primary carers of patients hospitalized with the diagnosis of stroke at the neurology clinic of a hospital. It was determined that the participants had moderate levels of preparedness for caregiving, they had high levels of spiritual well-being, and there was a positive significant relationship between these two variables. According to the regression analysis results, the spiritual well-being level of the participants was a predictor of their preparedness for caregiving (B: 0.144, p < 0.001). The results of this study demonstrated that the spiritual well-being of the carers of stroke patients is important in increasing preparedness for caregiving. In this context, to ensure that the carers of all stroke patients feel prepared for the caregiving process, it is recommended to evaluate their preparedness levels, support them in their preparation for their caregiving roles, and identify their spiritual needs.