Psychological Distress, Multicare Needs and Social Resource Utilisation of Family Caregivers of People With Dementia: A Descriptive-Correlational Study

Background

The population of people with dementia increases yearly, imposing a growing burden on family caregivers. Psychological distress impacts the mental health of family caregivers of people with dementia. Caregiver psychological distress can result in increased social resource utilisation and unmet multicare needs.

Purpose

The study explored the psychological distress of family caregivers of people with dementia and examined the impact on social resource utilisation and multicare needs.

Methods

A descriptive-correlational study collected data in Taiwan from a cross-sectional sample of family caregivers of people with dementia using a self-report questionnaire. Data were analysed using linear and logistic regression.

Results

A total of 301 caregivers provided data for analysis. Nearly two-thirds of caregivers were female with a mean age of 57 years old (SD = 12). Over half of the family caregivers of people with dementia experienced mild-to-moderate psychological distress. The greater the psychological distress, the greater the probability of using social resources (1.09 times per 1-point increase, p = 0.002). Psychological distress was positively associated with the number of caregivers' care needs (β = 0.371, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Findings of this study can assist healthcare professionals in better understanding the psychological distress and care needs of caregivers. Services designed to meet the needs of family caregivers will improve psychological distress.