The Comprehensive Factors Affecting the Sleep Quality in Family Caregivers of Patients with Dementia in the Community of South Korea

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to provide the comprehensive factors affecting the sleep quality in family caregivers of patients with dementia in South Korea, including patient and caregiver-related factors. Methods: The participant were a total of 156 family caregivers who live with patients with dementia in South Korea. Patient and caregiver-related factors were measured using tools with high reliability. Data collection was performed from May to August 2019, and data were analyzed using descriptive analysis, t-test, ANOVA, Pearson's correlation coefficients, and multiple regression with the SPSS/21.0 program. Results: The significant factors affecting family caregivers' sleep quality were their depression (β=.52, p<.001) and their education (β=.23, p=.019). Conclusion: There is a need to monitor caregivers' depression and sleep quality. Future studies, biomarker to monitor caregivers' sleep quality to achieve objective evidence. There is a need to provide additional education programs to improve the understanding around caregivers' sleep quality especially for caregivers with low level of education.