Family Caregivers of Patients with Dementia in Primary Care: Assessment of the Psychosomatic Dimensions of Caregiver Burden

Abstract

Background: Dementia represents a growing global public health challenge, with increasing reliance on informal family caregivers to support individuals living with the condition. Caregiving responsibilities may affect caregivers’ psychological well-being, resilience, and overall quality of life (QoL). Purpose: This study aimed to examine caregiver burden, resilience, and QoL among family caregivers of people with dementia in primary care settings and to explore the association of these outcomes with key sociodemographic characteristics. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between September 2023 and January 2024 among 150 family caregivers recruited from primary care settings in Larissa, Greece. Participants completed validated instruments including the Zarit Burden Interview, the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, and the Short-Form Health Survey-36. Descriptive statistics, correlation analyses, and multivariable regression models were used to examine relationships between caregiver characteristics and study outcomes. Results: Caregivers reported moderate levels of resilience and QoL and moderate-to-severe caregiver burden. Higher burden was associated with older age, rural residence, lower educational level, and being the patient’s spouse. Conversely, higher education and urban residence were associated with higher resilience and better QoL. A modest positive correlation between caregiver burden and QoL was observed. Conclusions: Family caregivers of people with dementia experience substantial psychosocial challenges. Sociodemographic factors, particularly education, marital status, and place of residence, appear to influence caregiver outcomes. These findings highlight the need for targeted support strategies for caregivers, particularly those at higher risk of burden.