The mediating effect of sense of coherence on the caregiver ability–caregiver burden relationship for caregivers of children with liver transplantation in China

Abstract

Background

Caregivers of children who have had liver transplantation often experience chronic care stress. Previous studies have focused on caregivers' negative feelings (e.g., caregiver burden), but few studies have focused on caregivers' positive feelings (e.g., sense of coherence) and caregiver ability.

Objectives

The study purpose was to investigate the status of the burden of caregivers of children with liver transplantation, and to explore the mediating role of sense of coherence between caregiver ability and caregiver burden.

Methods

There were 461 questionnaires collected from a tertiary-level hospital from caregivers of children who had liver transplantation from April to June 2022. Demographic data, Family Caregiver Task Inventory, Sense of Coherence Scale-13, and Zarit Burden Interview were used. The STROBE checklist was monitored.

Results

The average caregiver burden score was 32.19 ± 16.71. The distribution of caregiver burden levels was mild (42.52%), none (26.25%), moderate (24.95%), and severe (6.29%). Caregiver ability score was negatively correlated with caregiver burden score; however, sense of coherence score was negatively correlated with caregiver burden score. Caregiver ability partially mediated caregiver burden through sense of coherence (38.51%).

Conclusion

The caregiver burden level was not heavy in general. Both positive and negative feelings were present in caregivers. Caregiver ability also reduced the caregiver burden through sense of coherence.