Objective:

To evaluate the effect of each of the considered influential variables on the level of caregiver overload.

Methodology:

The study was based on empirical and analytical research. Multivariate analysis and multinominal logit regression models were used. It was made in L'Hospitalet de Llobregat (Barcelona), involving 14 health professionals and 296 informal carers during 2016 and 2017. A technique of “non-probabilistic sampling for convenience” was selected. The questionnaire used for this study was an ad hoc designed instrument and with proven psychometric strength, known as CESC (Caregiver Overload Assessment Questionnaire).

Results:

Factorial analysis through main components allowed grouping the 16 variables studied in 5 factors: “emotional expression”, “quality of life”, “functional and cognitive deterioration”, “support network” and “social development”. The result explained 58.99% of the variance. Subsequently, a multinomial logistic regression model was constructed, was incorporated as a dependent variable the overload caregiver level, and as independent variables the symptoms and predictors of overload that compose each factor.

Conclusions:

Highlights the importance of the variables in the level of caregiver overload, with the pre-eminence of the emotional factor. It was determined that the support systems are important in the role of the caregiver.

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