Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships among stress, caregiver burden, and the health status of rural caregivers and assess whether caregiver burden and stress predict the physical health status of caregivers in the rural setting. This research study was a descriptive-correlational design and utilized a convenience sample of 63 rural caregivers. The subjects self-reported their perceptions of stress, burden, and health status using the Zarit Caregiver Burden Interview Scale, Lifestyle Appraisal Questionnaire, and the health status question from the National Health Interview Survey.
The relationships among stress, burden, and health status in rural caregivers were significantly related (p < .05) and caregivers were found to have higher rates of obesity, hypertension, cardiovascular disease and rate their health poorer than the general population. Caregivers complained of experiencing uncomfortable physical symptoms and sleep disturbances. Significant variance in health status (p < .05) was accounted for by the model variables of stress and caregiver burden. Significant variance (p < .05) in caregiver burden was accounted for by the model variables of caregiver age and employment status. Caregivers who provided care for individuals with low levels of functioning experienced caregiver burden and reported a poor health status. These findings should be considered when planning care for the chronically ill and their caregivers.
Sigma Membership
Epsilon Omega
Lead Author Affiliation
University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA
Type
Dissertation
Format Type
Text-based Document
Study Design/Type
Descriptive/Correlational
Research Approach
Quantitative Research
Keywords:
Caregiver Burden, Caregiver Physical Health, Caregiver Mental Health
Advisor
Arthur D. Johnson
Second Advisor
Judith T. Rocchiccioli
Third Advisor
Rebecca Ryan
Degree
Doctoral-Other
Degree Grantor
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center
Degree Year
2002
Recommended Citation
Sanford, Julie T., "The relationships among stress, burden, and health status in rural caregivers" (2023). Dissertations. 681.
https://www.sigmarepository.org/dissertations/681
Rights Holder
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Review Type
None: Degree-based Submission
Acquisition
Proxy-submission
Date of Issue
2023-05-11
Full Text of Presentation
wf_yes
Description
This dissertation has also been disseminated through the ProQuest Dissertations and Theses database. Dissertation/thesis number: 3047408; ProQuest document ID: 276410846. The author still retains copyright.