Relati̇onshi̇p between health li̇teracy and caregi̇ver burden of caregi̇vers of home care pati̇ents

Objective: In this study, it was aimed to question the health literacy and caregiving burden of caregivers of home care patients and to examine the relationship between the two concepts. Material and Method: This study is an observational cross-sectional study. The research was carried out on the caregivers of the patients registered in the Malatya Training and Research Hospital Home Care Unit in the city center of Malatya. The research was carried out between 15 April 2021 and 15 July 2021. The universe of the study consisted of primary caregivers of 3000 patients who lived in Malatya city center and received home care services. It was found that at least 341 caregivers should be included in the sample group when the calculation was made with a 95% confidence 5% error interval, and the study was completed with 350 people. Data were collected by face-to-face interview or telephone interview using the socio-demographic characteristics form, health literacy scale and caregiving burden scale, and the data were analyzed using the SPSS 22 package program. Results: The mean total score of health literacy of caregivers was found 97,1±18,9, and it was evaluated as adequate. The mean caregiver burden total score of the caregivers was found 38,4±13,6, and it was evaluated as moderate. In our study, a moderate and highly significant negative correlation was found between health literacy and caregiving burden. As health literacy increases, the burden of caregiving decreases. A significant relationship was found between age, income status, chronic disease of the caregiver, and health literacy and caregiving burden. Conclusion: It has been suggested to provide education to caregivers of home care patients, to provide financial support to those with low income, and to provide medical support to those with chronic diseases. Studies investigating health literacy and caregiving burden should be increased. Key Words: Health literacy, Caregiving burden, Home care patient