Evaluation of caregiver burden and spiritual well-being among caregivers of palliative care patients: a descriptive and correlational study.

Background

AND

Aim

Family caregivers of patients receiving palliative care often experience substantial physical, emotional, and social burden, while spirituality has been associated with caregivers' coping experiences and perceived burden. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between caregiver burden and spiritual well-being among individuals providing care to palliative care patients.

Methods

This descriptive and correlational study was conducted with 85 family caregivers of patients receiving palliative care at a university hospital in southeastern Türkiye between April and July 2025. Data collection tools included a caregiver descriptive information form, the Zarit Burden Interview, and the Spirituality Scale. Data were gathered through face-to-face interviews.

Results

The mean spirituality score was 25.82 ± 4.12, and the mean caregiver burden score was 46.56 ± 14.44. Married caregivers had significantly higher caregiver burden scores than unmarried caregivers (t = 2.764, p = 0.007). A statistically significant moderate negative correlation was found between caregiver burden and spirituality scores (r = -0.391, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Higher spirituality levels were associated with lower perceived caregiver burden among family caregivers of patients receiving palliative care. Nurses should routinely assess caregiver burden and spiritual needs and provide or coordinate individualized and culturally sensitive psychosocial and spiritual support.