Analysis of Caregiver Stress in Families of Patients with Chronic Illness: The Role of Social Support, Economic Status, and Caregiving Duration
Keywords:
Caregiver Stress, Chronic Illness, Social Support, Caregiving Burden, Coping StrategiesAbstract
Caregiver stress has become a significant concern in the context of chronic illness, as family members often assume the primary responsibility for long-term patient care. This study aims to analyze caregiver stress among families of patients with chronic illnesses by examining the influence of caregiving duration, severity of illness, social support, and economic status. A mixed-method approach was employed, combining quantitative data collected through structured questionnaires, including the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI), and qualitative data obtained from in-depth interviews. The study involved family caregivers who had been providing care for chronically ill patients over a specified period. The results indicate that most caregivers experience moderate levels of stress. Statistical analysis reveals that duration of caregiving and severity of illness have significant positive relationships with caregiver stress, while social support and economic status show significant negative relationships. Among these factors, severity of illness is the strongest predictor of increased stress, whereas social support plays the most important role in reducing stress. Qualitative findings further highlight that coping strategies and emotional resilience influence how caregivers manage stress. In conclusion, caregiver stress is a multidimensional issue shaped by the interaction between caregiving demands and available resources. The study emphasizes the importance of strengthening social support systems, improving economic assistance, and enhancing coping strategies to reduce caregiver stress. These findings contribute to the development of theoretical frameworks in psychology and provide practical recommendations for healthcare providers and policymakers to support family caregivers effectively.
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