Predictors of Burden Perceived by Informal Caregivers of Patients Registered in the Home Health-Care Unit

CONTEXT: Studies have reported multiple variables that can affect the level of burden on informal caregivers. The need for informal caregivers is expected to increase in the upcoming years. Informal caregivers are an important extension of the formal health-care system. AIMS: The aim of this study was to discover the characteristics of informal caregivers of adult patients, to determine the socioeconomic, psychological, and physical consequences facing informal caregivers, and to measure caregivers’ burdens and needs. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: An analytical cross-sectional study that was carried out in Saudi Arabia, in the home health-care unit of King Abdelaziz University Hospital in the city of Jeddah. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A validated self-administered questionnaire in Arabic and English was used. The required sample size was 122 participants. Ethical approval was obtained. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Descriptive statistics consisted of means, standard deviations, frequency tables, cross-tabulation, and charts. Categorical variables were compared using the Chi-square test to determine significant relationships between variables. RESULTS: A total of 124 participants responded to a request to participate in the study. The majority of the caregivers (92) were family members. There was a significant relationship between the nature of the connection between the caregiver and the recipient in association with the burden scale (P = 0.001). No significant relationship was found between caregivers’ gender, marital status, or income level and the burden score. CONCLUSIONS: Most of the caregivers reported no burden to minimal burden. The relationship with the care recipient has a negative impact on the burden scale.