Influence of preparedness on caregiver burden, depression, and quality of life in caregivers of people with disabilities

Frontiers in Public Health, 2023 · DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1153588 · Published: July 26, 2023

Rehabilitation Social Support Public Health

Simple Explanation

Caregiver preparedness is about how ready caregivers feel to handle the needs of those they care for, including physical and emotional support. This study looks at how preparedness affects caregiver burden, depression, and quality of life for those caring for individuals with disabilities. The study found that when caregivers feel more prepared, they tend to experience less burden and depression, and have a better quality of life. However, simply spending more time caregiving doesn't automatically make someone feel more prepared. The research suggests that efforts to boost how prepared caregivers feel are important. This could involve providing education, resources, and support to help them manage the challenges of caregiving, ultimately benefiting both the caregivers and the people they support.

Study Duration

October and December 2020

Participants

151 caregivers of patients with disabilities

Evidence Level

Cross-sectional survey study

Key Findings

1
Higher caregiver preparedness is associated with less caregiver burden.
2
Higher caregiver preparedness is associated with lower levels of depression among caregivers.
3
Higher caregiver preparedness is associated with better health-related quality of life (HRQoL) for caregivers.

Research Summary

This study investigated the influence of caregiver preparedness on caregiver burden, depression, and quality of life (QoL) in caregivers of individuals with disabilities, using a multicenter cross-sectional survey. The results indicated that higher caregiver preparedness was significantly associated with less caregiver burden and depression, as well as better QoL. Depression was identified as a significant independent factor related to caregiver preparedness. The study concludes that efforts to enhance caregiver preparedness, such as through education and resource provision, are essential to reduce caregiver burden and improve the quality of care.

Practical Implications

Develop Targeted Interventions

Create programs aimed at enhancing caregiver preparedness through education, training, and support resources.

Address Caregiver Depression

Implement strategies to identify and manage depression in caregivers, recognizing its significant impact on preparedness and overall well-being.

Promote Resilient Caregiving

Foster resilience in caregivers by offering resources and support to help them adapt to the challenges of caregiving and manage stress effectively.

Study Limitations

1
The study population was limited to caregivers of patients undergoing rehabilitation for specific conditions, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.
2
The cross-sectional design prevents the evaluation of changes in preparedness over time.
3
Caregiver resilience was not assessed, potentially overlooking its influence on preparedness.

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