Self-efficacy and well-being in the association between caregiver burden and sleep quality among caregivers of elderly patients having multiple chronic conditions in rural China: a serial multiple mediation analysis

Abstract

Background Caregivers of elderly patients with multiple chronic conditions have heavy caregiver burden and poor sleep quality, which has an important impact on both caregivers and patients. This study aimed to examine among rural caregivers of elderly patients who have multiple chronic conditions in China, whether self-efficacy and well-being mediate the link between caregiver burden and sleep quality. Methods The study recruited 325 caregivers of elderly patients having multiple chronic conditions in rural China. This current study utilized several measures including the Caregiver Burden Inventory (CBI), Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS), General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES) and Index of Well-Being (IWB) to collect data from participants. Structural equation modeling was employed to study the relationships in caregiver burden, sleep quality, self-efficacy, as well as well-being. Results Results indicate self-efficacy and well-being act as mediators in the link between caregiver burden and sleep quality, accounting for 10.94% and 15.63% of the total effect, respectively. In addition, results suggest that self-efficacy and well-being have a serial multiple mediating effect, with this mediating pathway, explaining 9.93% of the total effect. Conclusions Caregivers of elderly patients having multiple chronic conditions in rural China experience poor sleep quality due to the caregiver burden. Self-efficacy and well-being have serial mediating roles between caregiver burden and sleep quality.