Psychological Well-Being and Caregiver Burden among Caregivers of Individuals with Disabilities in Metropolitan Lima
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15517/pwckag71Keywords:
psychological well-being, caregiver burden, disability, formal caregivers, informal caregivers, mental healthAbstract
Introduction: Caring for individuals with disabilities involves multiple emotional, physical, and social demands that may adversely affect the mental health of those who assume the caregiving role. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between psychological well-being and caregiver burden among caregivers of people with disabilities in Metropolitan Lima, Peru. Additionally, the study compared psychological well-being and caregiver burden between formal and informal caregivers and across different types of disabilities. Methods: A quantitative approach with a non-experimental, cross-sectional, correlational design was employed. The study included 350 caregivers (175 formal and 175 informal), who completed the Ryff Psychological Well-Being Scale and the Zarit Burden Interview. Results: A strong negative correlation was found between psychological well-being and caregiver burden (r = -0.738, p < .001), indicating that higher levels of physical and emotional burden were associated with lower psychological well-being. The dimensions most strongly affected were personal growth, self-acceptance, and environmental mastery. No statistically significant differences were found between formal and informal caregivers. However, significant differences emerged according to the type of disability, with caregivers of individuals with sensory disabilities reporting higher levels of psychological well-being than those caring for individuals with other types of disabilities. Conclusions: The findings indicate that caregiver burden is a significant factor negatively associated with the psychological well-being of caregivers. These results underscore the need to implement support programs and public health strategies aimed at reducing caregiver burden
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