The current status and influencing factors of care burden among the family caregivers of the disabled elderly in Shanghai

Objective To investigate the care burden level and influencing factors among the family caregivers of the disabled elderly in communities in Shanghai and to provide insights for further intervention approaches. Methods A crosssectional survey based on convenience sampling was conducted among 440 family caregivers in Pudong district in Shanghai between July, 2016 and December, 2016. All subjects were investigated using the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI), Social Support Ratings Scale (SSRS), Geneml Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES), Medical Coping Modes Questionnaire (MCMQ) and the general social and demographical material lists. Results The total score of care burden among family caregivers was a moderate burden level, scoring 47.93 ±13.03; Univariate analysis showed that the burden of caregivers was statistically significant in chronic disease and disability time (month), Barthel index, caregiver age, caregiver education level, marital status, the relationship between the caregiver and the disabled elderly, the daily care of time, caregiver's health, family income and other variables on the distribution difference. Multiple regression analysis displayed that the main factors affecting caregiver burden were coping modes score, social support level, self-efficacy level of the caregivers, Barthel index score, the relationship with the disabled elderly, the family caregivers education status, the number of chronic diseases of the disabled elderly and the daily caring time. The multiple correlation coefficient R=0.812, and the determination coefficient R²=0.659. Conclusion The care burden of family caregivers was in a moderate level and was influenced by diverse care receiver's and caregiver's characteristics. The community nurse should comprehensively assess the disabled elderly and their family caregivers, according to the influencing factors providing targeted measures to reduce the burden of caregivers.