Predictors of female caregivers’ burden: an estimated conceptual model in low income settings

Abstract

Globally, there has been increasing interest in the study of caregiving. Female caregiver predictors or mediators and a multidimensional female caregiver burden (FCG burden) model that incorporates environmental hygiene factors such as toilet hygiene and kitchen are lacking, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. This study evaluates caregiver burden predictors and provides a multidimensional model of unremunerated care burden for family practice and policy in two different population group communities in Cape Town, South Africa. A systematic random sampling (SRS) procedure was employed, and 100 black or African and 100 mixed race female caregivers in two different cultural communities were selected for a reliable cross-section. A questionnaire was used to solicit caregiver burden information. The average age of the female caregivers was 47.9 years (standard deviation [SD] = 11.7 years). About 49.0% of the selected participants were older than 50 years. There was a significant relationship between environmental health (kitchen hygiene and toilet hygiene). Social grant receipt and physical health status of care recipients were predictors of caregiver burden. The overall model explained the largest variation (43.4%) in caregiver burden. This study recommends an increase in the social grants given to caregivers. National health policies should reflect female caregivers’ circumstances. Transdisciplinarity Contribution: This article contributes to the improvement in community health.