Factors Influencing Perceived Stress Among Informal Caregivers of Older Adults in Kerman in 2023

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Health Education and Promotion, School of Public Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences Kerman, Iran

2 Department of Health Education and Promotion, School of Public Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences Kerman, Iran; Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran

3 Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran; Modeling in Health Research Center, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran

10.34172/jhad.1169

Abstract

Background: The responsibility for caring for older adults typically falls on family members (informal caregivers), and caregiver stress can significantly impact various aspects of an older adult’s life. This study aimed to identify factors associated with perceived stress among informal caregivers of older adults in Kerman, Iran in 2023.
Methods: This cross-sectional (descriptive-analytical) study was conducted in 2023 on 253 informal caregivers selected through multistage sampling from 10 comprehensive healthcare centers in Kerman. Data were collected using a demographic information questionnaire and Cohen’s Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) for caregivers of older adults. Given the normal distribution of the data, univariate and multivariate linear regression models were employed for data analysis with SPSS-22 software.
Results: The majority of informal caregivers were women (62.1%) and were aged 17–40 (42.3%) and 41–64 (42.3%) years. Data analysis showed a significant relationship between perceived stress among informal caregivers and variables such as age, income, addiction, mental illness, place of residence, occupation, number of children, and insurance coverage (r = 015; P value < 0.05).
Conclusion: The mean perceived stress score for informal caregivers of older adults in Kerman in 2023 was moderate (28.96 ± 6.98, based on Cohen’s scale with a score range of 0–56). Evidence suggests that stress is a risk factor for misbehaviors and may contribute to or exacerbate maladaptive responses, such as elder abuse. Thus, adopting strategies and interventions to reduce stress among these individuals is essential for all relevant organizations.

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References

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Health and Development Journal
Volume 13, Issue 4
December 2024
Pages 150-156

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History

  • Receive Date: 01 December 2024
  • Revise Date: 04 January 2025
  • Accept Date: 18 January 2025

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