Caregiver Attributes as Correlates of Burden in Family Caregivers Coping With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Abstract

The subjective burden that occurs in family caregivers of patients diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may be related to specific caregiver attributes. In a sample of 138 family caregivers of 138 patients diagnosed with COPD, Black caregivers experienced less burden than did their White counterparts, and caregivers younger than 55 years of age experienced more burden than did older caregivers. Similar levels of burden occurred in male versus female and spouse versus nonspouse caregivers. In addition, the subjective burden did not differ by caregiver education, perceived financial adequacy, or employment status. Clinicians cognizant of the relationship between contextual factors, such as caregiver age and caregiver burden, are better prepared to provide appropriate care that may optimize family caregiver and, indirectly, chronic care patients’ outcomes.