A Model for Quality of Life of Family Caregivers with a Chronically Ill Patient

Park, Eun Sook; Lee, Sook Ja; Park, Young Joo

Abstract

This study was designed to construct a model that predicts the quality of life of family caregivers with a chronically ill patient. The hypothetical model wad developed based on the findings from past studies on quality of life and on the family with a chronically ill patients. Data were collected by self-reported questionnaires from 200 family caregivers in Seoul and Kyung Gi-Do, from May 1 to July 21, 1997. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and correlation analysis. The Linear Structural Relationship(LISREL) modeling process was used to find the best fit model which predicts causal relationships among variables. The results are as follows: 1. The overall fit of the hypothetical model to the data was moderate [X2=31.54(df=23, p=.11), GFI=.96, AGFI=.91, RMR=.04]. 2. Paths of the model were modified by considering both its theoretical implication and the statistical significance of the parameter estimates. Compared to the hypothetical model, the revised model has become parsimonious and had a better fit to the data expect chi-square value(GFI=.95, AGFI=.91, RMR=.04). 3. Some of predictive factors, especially economic status, physical ability to perform daily-life activity, period after disease-onset, social support and fatigue revealed indirect effect on the quality of life of family caregivers with a chronically ill patient. 4. The factors, burden and role satisfaction revealed significant direct effects on the quality of life of family caregivers with a chronically ill patient. 5. All predictive variables of quality of life of family caregivers with a chronically ill patient, especially economic status, physical ability to perform daily-life activity, period after disease-onset, social support, fatigue, burden and role satisfaction explained 38.0% of the total variance in the model. In conclusion, the derived model in this study is considered appropriate in explaining and predicting quality of life of family caregivers with a chronically ill patient. Therefore it can effectively be used as a reference model for further studies and suggests direction in nursing practice.