Compassion fatigue in family caregivers of chronic heart failure patients: the roles of burden, compassion satisfaction, and social support

AIMS: This study examines factors influencing compassion fatigue (CF) among family caregivers of advanced chronic heart failure (CHF) patients, focusing on caregiver burden, compassion satisfaction (CS), and social support. METHODS AND RESULTS: A cross-sectional study enrolled 254 family caregivers of CHF patients in Guangzhou, China, from August 2022 to December 2023. Assessments included the Chinese Professional Quality of Life Scale for CF and CS, the Zarit Burden Interview for caregiver burden, and the Social Support Rating Scale. Participants exhibited moderate CF (mean ± SD: 45.25 ± 10.16) and low CS (32.38 ± 5.39). Latent class analysis identified two subgroups: high CF (56.7%) and low CF (43.3%). Significant CF correlates included age (χ2 = 13.63, P = 0.003), occupation status (χ2 = 10.68, P = 0.030), daily caregiving hours (χ2 = 13.93, P = 0.003), caregiving duration (χ2 = 15.34, P = 0.002), health status (χ2 = 14.55, P = 0.013), and income (χ2 = 10.17, P = 0.017). Binary logistic regression revealed age (P = 0.037), CS [odds ratio (OR) = 0.9, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.87-0.94; P < 0.001), caregiver burden (OR = 12.51, 95% CI: 6.28-24.9; P < 0.001), and occupation status (P = 0.002) as independent predictors of CF. CONCLUSION: Enhancing CS and reducing caregiver burden are critical for mitigating CF. Tailored interventions based on caregivers' demographic profiles are essential to improve caregiver well-being. REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChicCTR): ChiCTR2400091658.