Burden of Diabetic Foot Patients’ Caregivers and Affecting Factors: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

With the increase in the diabetic foot patients in recent decades, the caregivers of diabetic foot patients increase too. Most of these caregivers are informal caregivers. However, the studies examining the burden of the caregivers and affecting factors are limited. This study was conducted to determine the burden of the caregivers of diabetic foot patients and affecting factors. This cross-sectional study was conducted between the January and October 2020 in a diabetic foot council of a university hospital. Zarit Caregiver Burden Scale and a participant identification form were used for data collection. Most of the caregivers were female (75.2%) and the mean age was 51.27 ± 11.48 years. The burden of the caregivers was at moderate level in the current study. Factors affecting the caregivers’ burden were caregivers’ age, patients’ family structure, caregivers’ education level, caregivers’ income level, hours per week spending for the care of the patients, and lack of choice.

Stress reduction interventions for patients with chronic diabetic foot ulcers: a qualitative study into patients and caregivers' perceptions

“…Regarding consequences associated with DFUs, caregivers highlighted the impact on the patient’s daily life, resulting in inactivity, isolation, depression, unemployment, and lack of social activities for the caregiver, as shown in previous studies [ 14 , 15 ]. The scenario of burden appears to be exacerbated following amputation [ 49 ].…”

“…Although family caregivers often feel unprepared to provide care, they accept their role mostly because of feelings of moral or social obligation [13], particularly in Portugal where traditionally the caregiver role is assigned to family members. Consequently, caregiver's QoL declines, while the psychological burden increases over time [14][15][16]. Despite all challenges that family caregivers face, they undoubtedly play a crucial role in the recovery of patients with DFUs, having an important voice in patients' recovery [17].…”

Patients and Family Caregivers’ Perceptions on Two Stress Reduction Interventions with Patients with Chronic Diabetic Foot Ulcers: A Qualitative Study

“…1 and T.G. 2), as shown by previous research [14][15]. This whole burden scenario is exacerbated when the patient is amputated, [48] which is probably why a caregiver suggested that the intervention should be provided to patients before the amputation surgery.…”

“…[13] Consequently, their QoL declines, and the psychological burden increases over time. [14][15][16] Despite all challenges that family caregivers face, they undoubtedly play a crucial role in the recovery of patients with DFU, and have an important voice regarding their relative's progression.…”

Informal Family Caregiving of Patients with Diabetic Extremity Wounds: An Integrative Review

“…Elevated caregiver burden was measured in four studies, while elements associated with burden and psychological distress (e.g., stress, anxiety) were noted in all caregiver samples, regardless of specific measures used. Higher caregiver burden scores were associated with lower incomes, lack of employment outside the home, lack of other informal caregivers with whom to share responsibilities, lack of a perceived choice regarding caregiving responsibilities, and caring for patients who underwent above-the-knee amputations as opposed to below-the-knee amputation (Çamur et al, 2020; Costa et al, 2018; Hançerlioğlu et al, 2021). Lower caregiving burden was associated with the availability of other informal help, lower level of amputation, formal employment, and ability to take paid time off (Costa et al, 2018, 2020b).…”