AUTHOR=Bongelli Ramona , Busilacchi Gianluca , Pacifico Antonio , Fabiani Michele , Guarascio Carmela , Sofritti Federico , Lamura Giovanni , Santini Sara 

TITLE=Caregiving burden, social support, and psychological well-being among family caregivers of older Italians: a cross-sectional study

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Public Health

VOLUME=12

YEAR=2024

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/public-health/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2024.1474967

DOI=10.3389/fpubh.2024.1474967

ISSN=2296-2565

ABSTRACT=<sec id="sec1"><title>Objectives</title><p>This study aimed to identify factors affecting the psychological well-being of family caregivers of dependent older adults in Italy. Understanding these variables is essential for designing interventions to prevent negative outcomes in at-risk caregivers. The research explored how varying levels of caregiving burden and types of perceived social support influence psychological well-being.</p></sec><sec id="sec2"><title>Methods</title><p>A cross-sectional study was conducted among 387 family caregivers of older adults in the Marche region (Italy) between November 2019 and March 2020. Data were collected via a structured questionnaire assessing psychological well-being (WHO-5 Well-Being Index), caregiving burden, and social support (COPE Index). Statistical analyses were performed using Jamovi software, with a significance threshold set at <italic>p</italic> &lt; 0.05.</p></sec><sec id="sec3"><title>Results</title><p>A significant negative correlation was found between caregiving burden and psychological well-being [<italic>r</italic> (364) = − 0.540, <italic>p</italic> &lt; 0.001], with caregiving burden being a significant predictor of psychological well-being reduction (<italic>R</italic><sup>2</sup> = 0.290; <italic>F</italic> = 150, <italic>p</italic> &lt; 0.001). A threshold value of 2 (on a 1–4 scale) was identified, where caregiving burden predicted a significant reduction in psychological well-being. Conversely, greater perceived social support was positively correlated with better psychological well-being [<italic>r</italic> (357) = 0.348, <italic>p</italic> &lt; 0.001] and was a significant predictor of it [<italic>R</italic><sup>2</sup> = 0.121; <italic>F</italic> = 49.2, <italic>p</italic> &lt; 0.001]. Support from social and health services had the most notable impact on psychological well-being. Moreover, social support mitigated the negative impact of caregiving burden on psychological well-being.</p></sec><sec id="sec4"><title>Conclusion</title><p>The study confirms that high caregiving burden adversely affects caregivers’ psychological well-being, while social support plays a protective role. These findings highlight the need for interventions focused on reducing caregiving burden and enhancing support systems for family caregivers.</p></sec>