A Study of the Knowledge, Attitude, Practices, and Burden of Full-time Family Caregivers in the Care of Older Adults in Bengaluru, India

Abstract

Background: Globally, the aging population is expanding rapidly, impacting every aspect of the society. In developing nations like India, where family members primarily serve as caregivers for older adults, inadequate knowledge about their complex needs increases caregiver burden. The topic of caregiving has been extensively studied worldwide, mainly focused on the negative aspects of caregiving. The present study aims to assess the knowledge, attitude, practice, and burden of family caregivers providing care to older adults at homes in South India. Methods: This was a descriptive, observational study, which was conducted using a questionnaire-based approach. In this study, a purposive sampling technique was used, and a total of 56 family caregivers participated, who were caregivers to the patients admitted to a tertiary hospital in South India. Data Collection: A prevalidated questionnaire from previous studies was used to explore the knowledge, practices, and attitudes of caregivers of older patients.Caregiver burden was measured using Zarit Burden Interview. Results: The data were analyzed using SPSS v21. Caregiver burden was found to be high among those who cohabited with the patient (P < 0.05). Sons/daughters and grandchildren had a better grasp about the medical conditions of older people, P < 0.05. Attitude toward caring for older adults was strongly positive irrespective of the age category. Conclusion: Our study revealed that caregivers’ knowledge on the medical needs of the older population was inadequate. This study could pave the way for developing hospital policies, as well as planning action research, training, and counseling programs to strengthen family caregiver capacity and promote active and healthy aging.

Keywords

• attitude
• burden
• caregiver
• dementia
• falls
• family
• knowledge
• older adult
• practice