Relationship Status and Quality Are Associated With Perceived Benefits of Caregiving for People With Heart Failure

Abstract

Background “Benefit finding” is a strengths-based strategy for coping with medical illness that may be particularly useful for caregivers of people with heart failure given the highly fluctuating disease course. Objective The aim of this study was to investigate benefit finding's association with the caregiver–care recipient relationship, depression, and burden at baseline and longitudinally. Methods This is a longitudinal observational study of caregivers' benefit finding, relationship quality, depression, and burden. Correlation and multiple regression analyses identify baseline associations and predictors of 12-month change in benefit finding. Results At baseline (n = 100; median, 60 years [interquartile range, 46–69]; 81% female, 70% partner/spouse), increased benefit finding correlated with higher relationship quality (r = 0.53; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.38–0.67), lower depression (r = −0.33; 95% CI, −0.49 to −0.14), and lower burden (r = −0.31; 95% CI, −0.47 to −0.11). Twelve-month change in benefit finding was predicted by change in relationship quality (ß = 7.12; 95% CI, 0.62–13.61) but not depression or burden. Conclusions Relationship quality and benefit finding changed together over time. Interventions strengthening the caregiver–care recipient bond may be especially impactful for heart failure caregivers.