Correlates of Caregiving Burden among Bedouin-Muslim Mothers of Children Diagnosed with Epilepsy

Abstract

A paucity of research exists on caregiving burden (CB) and the factors associated with it among minority groups, such as Bedouin mothers of children diagnosed with epilepsy (CDE). The aim of this study was to explore associations between CB and care-recipients’ characteristics, contextual factors, and caregivers’ characteristics among those mothers. Methods: A total of 50 mothers completed self-report questionnaires while visiting pediatric neurology outpatient clinic centers, using valid and reliable measures. Results: Bivariate associations were found between social support, number of medications, and CB. General self-efficacy and place of residence emerged as significant predictors of caregiver burden. Conclusions: These findings provide health professionals with a better understanding of the factors that should be assessed in order to address caregiver burden among Bedouin mothers of CDE. Understanding the unique characteristics and culture of the Bedouin community can help professionals in targeting caregivers with a lower sense of self-efficacy, and those that reside in Bedouin cities, in order to reduce their caregiving burden.