A Study on the Caregiving in Elderly of the Female Family Caregivers

Kim, Boon Han; Lee, Keum Jae; Lee, Sin Young

Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this Study was to identify the factors that affect the caregiving burdens felt by the female family caregivers and quality of caregiving. METHOD: The subjects were 247 female family caregivers who were living with the elderly and were residing in Seoul. Data was collected from June 30, 2000 to Agust 11 by using questionnaire. The collected data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and hierarchial multiple regression with SAS/PC. RESULT: Situational factors had the greatest influence on the caregiving burdens. While the interactive factors of discrepancy between past and present image of elder and the caregiving belief were proven to be significant, the former had greater influence. The factors affecting the quality of caregiving, this is greatly influenced by situational factors and interactive factors. The discrepancy between past and present image of elder had relatively little influence while caregiving belief had the greatest influence. Among the situational factors, family stress had the greatest influence, while the caregiving burdens had little influence on the quality of caregiving. CONCLUSION: In order to improve the quality of caregiving in elderly by the female caregiver in the family, and to reduce the caregiving burdens, it is important to consider variables related to interaction as well as those directly concerned with caregiver and the elderly for nursing intervention.