The impact of caregiving on caregivers of older persons and its associated factors: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Introduction Many older people rely on caregivers for care. Caregiving for older people could pose significant burdens on caregivers yet may also have positive effects. This study aimed to assess the impact of caregiving on caregivers and to determine the associated factors of caregivers who were burdened. Methods This was a cross-sectional study of 385 caregivers of older people who attended a community clinic in Malaysia. Convenience sampling was employed during the study period on caregivers aged > 21 years and who provided at least 4 hours of unpaid support per week. Participants were asked to complete a self-administered questionnaire which included The COPE Index and the EASY-Care Standard 2010 Independence Score. The COPE Index was used to assess the impact of caregiving. A caregiver who was highly burdened is one who scores for all three COPE subscales were positive for burden. Care-recipients' independence was assessed using the Independence Score of the EASY-Care Standard 2010 questionnaire. Multiple logistic regression was used to determine the factors associated with caregiver burden. Results Seventy three (19%) caregivers were burdened, of which two were highly burdened. The median scores of the positive value, negative impact and quality of support scales were 13.0, 9.0, and 12.0 respectively. Care-recipients' median independence score was 18.0. Ethnicity and education levels were found to be factors associated with caregiver burden. Conclusions Most caregivers gained satisfaction and felt supported in caregiving. Ethnicity and education level were associated with caregiver being burdened.