The Care Burden and Influencing Factors of Family Caregivers of Older Adults with Dementia

ObjectiveTo analyze the current state of care burden of dementia caregivers and determine the influencing factors. MethodsUsing the questionnaire survey method, 600 family caregivers of older adults with dementia in five communities in Ningbo (China) were investigated from March to August 2022. ResultsThe average score of care burden of dementia was 52.36 {+/-} 12.08. The total score of social support for older adults with dementia ranged from 19 to 56, with the average score being 34.79 {+/-} 9.54. The total score of social support and the score of each dimension were negatively correlated with the total score of the care burden and the score of each dimension, with the correlation coefficient being between 0.490 and 0.689 (p <0.05). Six factors affecting the burden of care for family caregivers of older adults with dementia were total social support score, dementia level, monthly family income, years of care, educational level, and the duration of daily care for older adults with dementia (all p <0.001). ConclusionThe care burden of older adults with dementia is significant, with many influencing factors. Therefore, it is necessary to relieve the care burden of family caregivers through education support programs, self-efficacy training of caregivers, breathing care services, and psychological counseling to improve the quality of life, and relieve the pressure of social counseling and social support.