Cross-sectional Survey Of Role Adaptation Of Family Caregivers Of The Disabled Elderly

Objective: To investigate the role adaptation of family caregivers ofthe disabled elderly, and to explore ways of adaptation for family caregivers.Methods: A cross-sectional survey was implemented among152family caregivers of the disabled elderly by using the role adaptationquestionnaire which applied Roy adaptation model as the theoreticalframework. SPSS (17.0) was used for data statistics and analysis.Descriptive analysis, single sample t-test, single factor analysis andcorrelation analysis were used.Results:1. Scores of the questionnaire: Scores of physiological condition offamily caregivers of the disabled elderly were PF(77.34±16.26),RP(64.31±27.69), BP(71.34±15.98), all of them were lower than the norms.The score of General Self-Efficacy Scale was(2.59±0.52), which was lowerthan the norm(t=-6.29, p＜0.05). The score of Social Support Rating Scalewas(31.24±5.72), which was lower than the norm(t=-7.15, p<0.05). Thescore of questionnaire for caring ability of family caregivers of the disabled elderly was (24.97±5.27), which was accounted for49.94%of the full mark.2. Single factor analysis of the role adaptation of the caregivers:Variables affected physical condition were age, relationship with the carereceiver, length of time for caring, types of disabilities of the elderly,self-care ability of care receiver; Variables affected self-efficacy were gender,level of education, length of time for caring, types of disabilities of theelderly, self-care ability of care receiver; Variables affected social supportwere gender, employment situation, family structure, time for caring per day,length of time for caring, self-care ability of care receiver; Variablesaffected caring ability were gender, age, level of education, length of timefor caring.3. Results of Pearson correlation analysis: There were moderatepositive correlations between self-efficacy and physiological condition,caring ability, social support, correlation coefficients were0.50,0.50,0.52,p<0.05. There were minuent positive correlations between caring abilityand physiological condition, social support, correlation coefficients were0.25,0.39, p<0.05.Conclusion:1. Role adaptation of family caregivers of the disabled elderly was poor.They experienced poor physical condition, low level of self-efficacy,insufficient social support and inadequate caring ability.2. Influence factors and the relationship among role adaptation aspects need to be considered to improve the level of role adaptation of caregivers.3. According to the results, efforts of caregivers, health care workersand society are required to help family caregivers of the disabled elderly toadapt to the caregiver role.