Caregiver burden in Shanghai and Hong Kong: the role of relationship congruence

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of relationship congruence on caregiver burden by comparing evaluations from caregivers and care receivers in Shanghai and Hong Kong. METHOD: Standardized questionnaire using pre-existing reliable and valid scales were translated in Mandarin. Trained interviewers interviewed caregivers and care receivers separately. A total of 925 pairs (720 from Shanghai and 205 from Hong Kong) of family caregivers and frail older adults living in the community were successfully interviewed. Then, caregivers were grouped into three groups based on congruence between evaluations on caregiver and care receiver relationship, which refers to “Optimistic”, “congruent”, and “pessimistic” group. RESULTS: As compared to Hong Kong caregivers, more caregivers in Shanghai belonged to the optimistic caregiver group (Chi square=82.5, p<.001). Optimistic caregivers were more likely to report a lower emotional burden but a higher physical burden (F=3.99, 6.84 respectively, p < .05 and .001).