Associated factors of caregiving burden among informal caregivers of patients with chronic illness: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

This study intended to assess the prevalence and main associated factors of caregiver burden among Portuguese informal caregivers. Between 2021 and 2022, all informal caregivers of patients with chronic diseases (participation rate=84.8%) were invited to answer the Zarit Burden Interview Scale. Linear regression models with the respective 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were computed. The prevalence of moderate to intense burden was above 60%, with the caregiver's expectations regarding the provision of care being the most reported domain (mean(SD)=3.31 (1.26)). The levels of burden decreased significantly among non-married caregivers (β=-13.53; 95%CI:-21.18 to -5.89), while a positive association was consistently described with loneliness (β=1.06; 95%CI:0.62-1.49). A high prevalence of burden among caregivers, associated with the characteristics of both the caregiver and the care recipient, was described. The results may be useful to design and implement innovative strategies to improve the health and well-being of informal caregivers.