Effects of Mutuality and Positive Aspects of Caregiving on Caregiver Burden and Quality of Life of Caregivers of Patients With Diabetic Foot Who Have Undergone Amputation.

OBJECTIVE

The caregiver burden is a stressor that affects caregivers' quality of life. However, the impact of mutuality and positive aspects of caregiving on caregiver burden and quality of life has not been studied in caregivers of patients with diabetic foot who have undergone amputation. This study aimed to explore the moderating effects of mutuality and positive aspects of caregiving on the relationship between caregiver burden and quality of life.

METHODS

In this descriptive cross-sectional survey, the authors conducted a questionnaire survey of 150 caregivers of patients who underwent diabetic foot amputation from September 2021 to February 2022. The investigation was conducted with the Mutuality Scale, Zarit Caregiver Burden Interview, Positive Aspects of Caregiving, and Health Survey Short Form 12. Stratified regression analysis and the Johnson-Neyman technique were used to explore the moderating role of mutuality and positive aspects of the adverse effects of caregiver burden.

RESULTS

A total of 150 caregivers participated in this study. The results of the study showed that the caregiver burden was negatively correlated with mental health ( r =-0.229, P <.01). Moreover, mutuality was positively correlated with mental health ( r =0.252, P <.01), and positive aspects of caregiving were positively correlated with mental health ( r =0.276, P <.01). Mutuality and positive aspects of caregiving played a moderate role in caregiver burden and mental health in patients who underwent diabetic foot amputation (β=0.278, t =3.221, P <.05; β =0.032, t =2.526, P <.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The authors found that mutuality and positive aspects of caregiving reduce caregiver burden and improve the mental health of patients with diabetic foot who have undergone amputation.