Title of the article: Perceived Stress, Coping Mechanisms, and Associated Factors Among Caregivers of Cognitively Impaired Elderly Attending a Rural Secondary Care Facility in Eastern India: A Mixed-Methods Study
Year: 2026
Type: preprint
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background The increasing ageing population and their cognitive decline with age, take a toll in the mental well-being of their informal caregivers. This mixed methods study aimed to assess the prevalence of perceived stress and its associated factors and their coping strategies among the caregivers of cognitively impaired elderly individuals. Methodology : A parallel mixed methods design was conducted at the Geriatric Clinic and 81 participants were consecutively recruited to the study after screening them through Rapid Geriatric Assessment. Perceived stress and caregiver self-efficacy were measured using the 10-item Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) and the Caregiver Self-Efficacy Scale (CSES-8), alongside functional assessments via the Lawton-Brody IADL scale. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses examined predictors of high perceived stress. Concurrently, a qualitative phenomenological study involved in-depth interviews with six caregivers, analyzed thematically and triangulated with quantitative findings. Results Quantitative findings revealed that 54.3% of caregivers experienced high perceived stress, predominantly by perceived helplessness (median score 10) than lack of self-efficacy (median score 7). Multivariable regression demonstrated that caregiver self-efficacy was sole independent predictor of high perceived stress, with low self-efficacy significantly increasing vulnerability (Adjusted OR: 14.71, 95% CI: 4.06–52.63, p < 0.001. Sociodemographic variables or functional dependence showed no statistically significant association with perceived stress levels. Qualitative findings underscored that caregivers relied heavily on informal, family-based coping mechanisms and shared responsibilities. Conclusion Caregiver self-efficacy determines perceived stress among rural informal caregivers of cognitively impaired elderly, whereas sociodemographic factors play a minimal role. Interventions must prioritize strengthening caregiver resilience, self-efficacy, and rural support structures. Clinical Trial registration Not applicable
Source: Research Square
Institution: All India Institute of Medical Sciences Bhubaneswar
Language: English
Topic: Nursing care and research
Subfield: Research and Theory
Field: Nursing
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7225320919