Relationships between Burden of Care and Mental Health of Family Members of Hospitalized Patients with COVID-19

Background: Hospitalization of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients can lead to a burden of care and cause health problems for the family members of the patients. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the burden of care and the mental health of family members of hospitalized patients with COVID-19. Methods: This cross-sectional correlation study was conducted from November 2021 to February 2022. The study population consisted of 84 family members of COVID-19 patients who were hospitalized in Shariati Hospital affiliated with the Tehran University of Medical Sciences. The subjects were selected via consecutive sampling. Data collection was done using a demographic information form, the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-21, the Zarit Burden Interview, and the 12-item General Health Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS 16 and at a significance level of 0.05. Results: More than half of the participants (51.22%) experienced a mild to moderate level of care burden, while 17.07% of them experienced a moderate to severe level of care burden. The mean score of mental health in the participants was 16.925±1.953. By adjusting the demographic variables and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-21, the level of stress of family members led to more burden of care (coefficient beta= 0.608, 95% confidence interval= 0.451-1.556, P=0.001). Conclusion: Paying attention to the issue of stress in the family members of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 and supporting these individuals can help to provide better care to the patients and reduce health challenges.