Psychological and physiological differences related to supportive living situations amongst individuals with physical disabilities

The caregiver-patient dynamic is a complex relationship. While caregivers' potential psychological and physical burdens have received much attention, few studies have focused on the patient's perspective. This study investigated how the presence of a caregiver affects perceived stress, mental health and metabolic function in individuals with physical disabilities (PDis). The study included individuals with a PDis living with a full-time caregiver and those with a PDis living alone. The severity of perceived stress, the state of mental health, and the amount of social support were assessed using standardized questionnaires. Urine samples were collected and analyzed using a proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy-based metabolomics approach to investigate if different living situations affect biochemical pathways. Although there were no statistically significant differences in stress outcomes or mental health between the two groups, metabolomic analysis revealed a significant impact of the living situation on metabolic pathways, including histidine metabolism and alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism. Aspartic acid levels positively correlated with perceived stress and depressive symptoms in the Caregiver Group, while inosine positively correlated with stress in the Alone Group. This study highlights the unique psychological and metabolic profiles associated with a PDis based on living arrangements.