Factors associated with Health-related Quality of Life among Family Caregivers of Elders Receiving Home Care Services

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify the factors associated with the health-related quality of life of family caregivers. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted. This study included 191 primary family caregivers of elders who used home care services (home-visit nursing, home-visit care, daycare) covered by the public long-term care insurance. Data were collected using self-report questionnaires from December 2010 to June 2011. These data were analyzed by using hierarchical multiple regression. RESULTS: The majority of the family caregivers were female (79.6%) and daughters-in-law (28.8%). The mean depression score was 6.33+/-6.49 and the mean health-related quality of life score was 0.69+/-0.39. It was found that the factors affecting the health-related quality of life of family caregivers included depression (beta=-.406, p<.001), home-visit nursing use (beta=.296, p<.001), and daycare use (beta=.178, p=.015), which accounted for 36.6% of their health-related quality of life. CONCLUSION: Using home-visit nursing and daycare services has a positive effect on the health-related quality of life of family caregivers. To improve health-related quality of life of family caregivers, South Korea needs to fully activate the home-visit nursing and daycare services, and to strengthen family support programs.