Elements of burden among informal caregivers of community-dwelling older adults receiving home care nursing: a cross-sectional study on health status, well-being, and gender differences

With increasing longevity, more caregiving responsibilities fall on fewer family members, potentially impacting their well-being. This study investigates the health status, well-being, and elements of burden among informal caregivers of community-dwelling older adults receiving home care nursing in Iceland, including how burden may be related to well-being, gendered differences, and the complex nature of caregiving. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in four municipalities. Informal caregivers completed a self-report questionnaire on their caring situation, health, and well-being. Correlation and regression analyses examined relationships between caregiver characteristics, burden, and well-being. A total of 483 informal caregivers participated, with an average age of 61 years (SD = 12, range: 25–95), 165 men (34.2%) and 318 women (65.8%). The average age of care recipients was 84 years (SD = 7, range: 66–100). Women reported higher levels of stress (80.4% vs. 73% of men) and scored higher on both the Multifaceted Strain Scale (7.43 vs. 4.95, scale 0–19) and the Role Overload Scale (1.00 vs. 0.64, scale 0–4). Score on the Caregiver Well-Being Index had positive correlations with the Multifaceted Strain Scale (ρ = 0.57, p < 0.001) and caregiver decreased social participation (ρ = 0.44, p < 0.001). Regression results showed that a lesser feeling of having a good life (β = 0.22, p < 0.001), the caregiver's self-perception of burden (β = 0.20, p < 0.05) and score on the Multifaceted Strain Scale (β = 0.08, p < 0.001) significantly predicted caregiver well-being, with the full model explaining 41% of the variance in caregiver well-being. Caregiver burden is a multidimensional construct with significant implications for caregiver well-being. Key predictors of reduced well-being include self-perceived burden, multifaceted strain, and a diminished sense of life satisfaction. Gender differences were notable, with women reporting higher levels of strain and role overload. These findings underscore the need for comprehensive and gender-sensitive support strategies. Addressing social, financial, physical, and psychological challenges may help improve caregiver well-being and, in turn, the quality of care delivered to older adults.