Correlates of Caregiving Burden among Bedouin-Muslim Mothers of Children Diagnosed with Epilepsy

Abstract

A paucity of research exists on caregiving burden (CB) and the factors associated with it among minority groups, such as Bedouin mothers of children diagnosed with epilepsy (CDE). The aim of this study was to explore associations between CB and care-recipients’ characteristics, contextual factors, and caregivers’ characteristics among those mothers. Methods: A total of 50 mothers completed self-report questionnaires while visiting pediatric neurology outpatient clinic centers, using valid and reliable measures. Results: Bivariate associations were found between social support, number of medications, and CB. General self-efficacy and place of residence emerged as significant predictors of caregiver burden. Conclusions: These findings provide health professionals with a better understanding of the factors that should be assessed in order to address caregiver burden among Bedouin mothers of CDE. Understanding the unique characteristics and culture of the Bedouin community can help professionals in targeting caregivers with a lower sense of self-efficacy, and those that reside in Bedouin cities, in order to reduce their caregiving burden.

Direct and Indirect Predictors of Burden in Arab-Bedouin and Jewish-Israeli Mothers Caring for a Child with Epilepsy

“…This may be due to misconceptions, limited knowledge and mental health stigma [28], underscoring the added and complex challenges faced by ethnic minority caregivers. In addition to sociodemographic limitations, sociopolitical factors [31] make epilepsy care more challenging for Bedouin mothers.…”

“…A total of 168 mothers of children with epilepsy (130 Jewish, 38 Bedouin) were recruited for an extended study of epilepsy care [31,39]. According to our inclusion criteria, we selected women 18+ years of age with a child diagnosed with epilepsy, and able to read and write Hebrew or Arabic.…”

“…Today, most Bedouin live in recognized cities and towns; a lower percentage (30%) live in transient desert settlements [30]. Access to healthcare is limited in these unrecognized communities where basic infrastructure such as running water is lacking [31].…”

“…The Bedouin Negev are a pastoral, semi-nomadic Muslim society who adhere to traditional, collectivist beliefs and values [31]. For example, both polygamy and consanguineous marriage between first cousins remain common [26], with significant affect maternal health and well-being [32].…”