Factors influencing the care burden among family caregivers using dementia care centers for older adults with dementia in Korea: a cross-sectional descriptive study

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to identify factors influencing the care burden faced by family caregivers of older adults with dementia who use dementia care centers.Methods: This study investigated the care burden, family caregiver factors, care-recipient factors including behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD), depression levels, dementia attitudes, and resilience. Data were collected from March 15 to September 30, 2022. In total, 234 family caregivers using dementia care centers in five districts in Seoul, Korea, participated. Data were analyzed using the t-test, analysis of variance, Pearson correlation coefficients, and multiple regression analysis with SPSS/Windows version 27.0.Results: The mean score for care burden was 22.97. The factors influencing the care burden were BPSD (ß = .41, p < .001), depression levels (ß = .26, p < .001), hours of caregiving (ß = .18, p < .001), and resilience (ß = -.12, p = .022). The explanatory power of the final model was 46.1% (F = 47.76, p < .001).Conclusion: This study provides valuable insights into the care burden faced by family caregivers. Based on these results, programs for family caregivers should be developed with consideration of BPSD in older adults with dementia. Additionally, interventions that relieve depression and strengthen the resilience of family caregivers should be prioritized. Furthermore, it is essential to extend support systems to accommodate caregivers’ time constraints.