Factors associated with psychological burden among informal caregivers in outpatient palliative care: a prospective observational study of patient-caregiver dyads in Germany

Background Informal caregivers are of utmost importance in providing sufficient care for palliative outpatients, yet are at risk for psychological burden themselves which might limit their capability to maintain their support. Aim This project aims to identify structural and psychological factors that are associated with the psychological burden of informal caregivers.

Design The prospective observational study recorded illness-related and structural data. Multiple logistic regressions were performed to identify relevant factors for increased psychological burden.

Setting/participants This monocentric study recruited 250 adult patients of a specialised outpatient palliative care team and 152 caregivers between April 2021 and August 2022. Results Of 250 patients screened for participation, 152 caregiver - patient dyads were included in this study.

Above-threshold depressivity was reported by 31%, anxiety by 33% and an elaborated psychological distress was stated by 82% of informal caregivers. Multivariate analyses revealed a significant association of above-threshold depressivity with higher daily caregiving time (OR: 3.215; p=0.026) and being highly burdened by COVID-19 (OR: 1.142; p=0.048).

Perceived higher burden from COVID-19 seemed to be protective concerning elevated anxiety (OR: 0.859; p=0.024).