Date: 2024
Type: Article
Caregiving burden, social support, and psychological well-being among family caregivers of older Italians : a cross-sectional study
Frontiers in public health, 2024, Vol. 12, OnlineOnly
BONGELLI, Ramona, BUSILACCHI, Gianluca, PACIFICO, Antonio, FABIANI, Michele, GUARASCIO, Carmela, SOFRITTI, Federico, LAMURA, Giovanni, SANTINI, Sara, Caregiving burden, social support, and psychological well-being among family caregivers of older Italians : a cross-sectional study, Frontiers in public health, 2024, Vol. 12, OnlineOnly
- https://hdl.handle.net/1814/77380
Retrieved from Cadmus, EUI Research Repository
Objectives: This study aimed to identify factors affecting the psychological well-being of family caregivers of dependent older adults in Italy. Understanding these variables is essential for designing interventions to prevent negative outcomes in at-risk caregivers. The research explored how varying levels of caregiving burden and types of perceived social support influence psychological well-being. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 387 family caregivers of older adults in the Marche region (Italy) between November 2019 and March 2020. Data were collected via a structured questionnaire assessing psychological well-being (WHO-5 Well-Being Index), caregiving burden, and social support (COPE Index). Statistical analyses were performed using Jamovi software, with a significance threshold set at p < 0.05. Results: A significant negative correlation was found between caregiving burden and psychological well-being [r (364) = − 0.540, p < 0.001], with caregiving burden being a significant predictor of psychological well-being reduction (R2 = 0.290; F = 150, p < 0.001). A threshold value of 2 (on a 1–4 scale) was identified, where caregiving burden predicted a significant reduction in psychological well-being. Conversely, greater perceived social support was positively correlated with better psychological well-being [r (357) = 0.348, p < 0.001] and was a significant predictor of it [R2 = 0.121; F = 49.2, p < 0.001]. Support from social and health services had the most notable impact on psychological well-being. Moreover, social support mitigated the negative impact of caregiving burden on psychological well-being. Conclusion: The study confirms that high caregiving burden adversely affects caregivers’ psychological well-being, while social support plays a protective role. These findings highlight the need for interventions focused on reducing caregiving burden and enhancing support systems for family caregivers.
Additional information:
Published online: 23 October 2024
Cadmus permanent link: https://hdl.handle.net/1814/77380
Full-text via DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1474967
ISSN: 2296-2565
Publisher: Frontiers Media
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