Assessment of Caregiver Burden and Perceived Social Support Among Individuals Providing Care to Patients Under Home...

This study aimed to assess caregiver burden and perceived social support among individuals providing care within the scope of home health services and to examine related sociodemographic factors. The relationship between caregiver burden and perceived social support was also explored.

A descriptive observational design targeting the entire population of caregivers registered with home health services in Şırnak Province was adopted. This design allowed for a comprehensive assessment of caregiving dynamics in their natural context.

Ethical approval was obtained from Istanbul Medipol University Ethics Committee (Protocol No. 1315, 26/12/2024). Institutional permission was granted by the Şırnak Provincial Health Directorate. Informed verbal consent was obtained from all participants in line with the Declaration of Helsinki. RESEARCH METHODS, INSTRUMENTS AND/OR INTERVENTIONS; OUTCOME MEASURES: Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire. Caregiver burden and perceived social support were measured using the Zarit Caregiver Burden Scale (ZCBS) and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS). Data analysis included descriptive statistics, non-parametric tests, and Spearman's correlation.

Among 1022 caregivers, the mean ZCBS score was 41.24 ± 19.79, and the mean MSPSS score was 50.82 ± 17.48. Sociodemographic factors such as age, gender, education, residence, and caregiving characteristics were significantly associated with caregiver burden and perceived social support (p < 0.05). A positive correlation was found between caregiver burden and perceived social support (rs = 0.153, p < 0.01).

The descriptive nature limits causal inference. Self-reported data may introduce bias, and regional factors may affect generalisability.

Caregivers within home health services experience high burden and moderate social support. These findings emphasise the need to enhance home healthcare quality, provide caregiver support programs, and increase access to training and counselling, especially in rural areas.