Social Support and Associated Factors Among Caregivers of Elderly China: A Cross-Sectional Study

The growing aging population in China has intensified the need for informal caregiving, predominantly provided by family members. While social support plays a crucial role in buffering caregiver burden, the dynamics of support and its associated factors in the Chinese context remain underexplored. This study aimed to assess perceived social support among family caregivers of older adults in China and identify key demographic factors associated with its variations. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 260 family caregivers recruited from urban and rural districts in Jiangsu Province using convenience sampling. Data were collected through self-administered questionnaires, including the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) and demographic profiles. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data. Caregivers reported the highest level of perceived social support from family members (M = 5.39), followed by significant others (M = 5.22), and friends (M = 4.88). Male caregivers and those with caregiving duration exceeding ten years reported significantly higher levels of support (p < 0.05). No significant associations were found with age, income, education, or caregiver training. Family remains the central pillar of social support for caregivers in China, with gender and caregiving experience influencing perceived support. These findings highlight the importance of culturally appropriate interventions and the need to strengthen external support networks to improve caregiver well-being.