The Impact of Anxiety and Depression on Burnout in Primary Caregivers of Stroke Patients: Mediating Effects of Perceived Social Support

Background: Caregiver burnout can significantly impact both the patient and the caregiver. Addressing primary caregiver burnout in stroke patients is crucial for the well-being of patients, caregivers, families, and society. Aim: This study aims to explore the mediating role of perceived social support in the relationship between anxiety, depression, and burnout among primary caregivers of stroke patients. Design: A cross-sectional study. Methods: A convenience sampling method was employed to select 506 primary caregivers of stroke patients from December 2021 to March 2022. The participants were drawn from two Grade 2A hospitals, a tertiary hospital, and one community health service station in Yinchuan and Wuzhong cities. Data were collected using a general information questionnaire, the Barthel Index, the Perceived Social Support Questionnaire, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and the Caregiver Burnout Scale for stroke patients. Results: Perceived social support was negatively correlated with anxiety, depression, and burnout ( r = -0.140, -0.148, -0.253, P < 0.01). Anxiety and depression were positively correlated with burnout ( r = 0.185, 0.217, P < 0.01). Perceived social support partially mediated the relationship between anxiety, depression, and burnout, with effect values of 0.058 and 0.054, respectively, accounting for 14.39% and 12.05% of the total effect. Conclusion: Caregiver burnout in stroke patients is directly influenced by anxiety and depression, and also indirectly through perceived social support. To reduce burnout among stroke caregivers, interventions should focus on alleviating negative emotions and enhancing social support.