Evaluation of spiritual well-being of primary care givers of patients with tracheostomy: Samsun province example

Objectives: The challenges faced in the care of patients with tracheostomy encompass not only physical but also psychological and social aspects. Being a caregiver requires managing difficulties such as sacrificing one's own time, psychological challenges, financial losses, and restrictions on social life. Spiritual well-being is one of the measurable sub-dimensions of quality of life. In our study, we aimed to evaluate the characteristics of caregivers of patients with tracheostomy alongside their levels of spiritual well-being. Materials and Methods: he study is a descriptive, cross-sectional research. It was conducted through face-to-face interviews at Samsun Training and Research Hospital from May 23, 2024, to August 30, 2024. The study population consisted of 300 caregivers of patients diagnosed with "tracheostomy status (ICD-10 Z93.0)" who met the inclusion criteria and agreed to participate since January 2020. All participants' socio-demographic characteristics were queried, and caregiving-related characteristics were recorded. The FACIT-Sp12 scale was used to measure well-being. Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS 28.0 to determine if there were significant differences between total scores of spiritual well-being and participants' socio-demographic data and various variables. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Among the 300 patients included in the study, 60.7% (182) were male, with an average age of 58.0±28.3 years. Of the 300 caregivers, 56.7% were female, with an average age of 48.4±11.7 years. 48.3% of caregivers were the patients' children. 46.0% of caregivers reported having received tracheostomy care training. Additionally, 37.3% reported providing care for 2-5 years, and 76.7% provided care between 13-24 hours a day. 79.7% of caregivers stated that the caregiving process affected their lives. The average total score for the Spiritual Well-Being Scale (SWBS) was found to be 36.4±7.1. Caregivers of patients aged 0-18 had lower "Meaning" scores (p = 0.006). The "Peace" scores of caregivers of patients aged 19-44 were lower compared to other age groups (p<0.001). Caregivers with a university degree had higher "Meaning" scores compared to those with primary education (p <0.001). There was a statistically significant difference in "Meaning" scores based on income level, transportation difficulties, and impact on social life (p <0.001). The caregiver's education level created a significant difference in "Peace" scores (p = 0.032). There were statistically significant differences in "Peace" scores based on the impact on social life and transportation difficulties (p <0.001). The average "Faith" scores of caregivers for female patients were higher compared to those for male patients (p = 0.002). The caregiver's relationship status (p = 0.019) and daily caregiving hours (p = 0.003) also influenced "Faith" scores. The total scores of caregivers for female patients were higher compared to those for male patients (p = 0.009). Patient age (p <0.001), caregiver education level (p = 0.011), and caregiver relationship status (p = 0.001) created significant differences in "Total" scores. The total scores of individuals caring for their parents were higher compared to other caregiver groups. Correlation analyses between caregiving duration and SWBS "Meaning and Total" scores indicated a low level of statistically significant correlation (p=0.011, p=0.045). Caregivers who received tracheostomy care training had a 1.947 times higher likelihood of longer caregiving duration compared to those who did not, with a 2.358 times higher likelihood for caregivers receiving allowances compared to those who did not, and a 2.385 times higher likelihood for caregivers without transportation difficulties compared to those with difficulties (p=0.027, p=0.02, p=0.04). Conclusion: Caregivers of patients aged 45-64 had higher levels of spiritual well-being compared to other age groups; caregivers of female patients had higher levels compared to those of male patients. Additionally, those with higher income levels, who did not face transportation difficulties in emergencies, and whose work/social lives were not affected by caregiving had higher levels of spiritual well-being. The average score of all caregivers, evaluated out of a total of 48 points, was calculated as 36.4, indicating that the spiritual well-being of caregivers for tracheostomy patients is at a moderate to high level.