Factors associated with caregiver burden in home-based palliative care in Bogotá, Colombia: A cross-sectional study

To identify factors associated with caregiver burden among caregivers of patients enrolled in a home-based palliative care program in Bogotá, Colombia.

This analytic cross-sectional study included 208 caregivers of patients receiving home-based palliative care in Bogotá between 2022 and 2024. Data were collected on caregivers' sociodemographic, psychological, and caregiving-related characteristics. Caregiver burden was assessed using the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI), while depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms were assessed using the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-21. Patient sociodemographic and clinical data were also collected. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to identify caregiver- and patient-level variables associated with caregiver burden.

The median age of caregivers was 56 years. Most caregivers were women (86%) and relatives (74%). Although 69.2% had higher education, 79.8% lacked formal caregiving training and 73.6% provided care without financial compensation. The mean ZBI score was 42.5 ± 12.9, with 40.4% of caregivers experiencing mild to intense burden. Additionally, 40.4% reported depressive symptoms, 38.9% anxiety, and 47.1% stress. Caregiving support (β = -6.31; P = 0.009) was associated with lower burden scores, whereas caregiver motor limitations (β = 4.78; P = 0.045) and caregiver depression (β = 3.81; P = 0.034) were associated with higher burden scores.

Caregiver burden was associated with caregiver depression and motor limitations. Interventions aimed at strengthening caregiving networks, providing psychological support, and addressing caregivers' physical health are essential to reduce burden and improve the well-being of both caregivers and patients.