Factors that influence the burden of the caregiver of cardiovascular patients. A multicenter study

Stroke is one of the leading causes of dependency and family burden in Europe. Informal caregivers, mostly women, play a crucial role by providing daily support to stroke survivors, often with limited resources and insufficient institutional backing. This situation negatively affects their physical and mental health, increasing perceived burden and healthcare use. Understanding the factors that shape caregiver burden is essential to design effective interventions that enhance caregiver well-being and improve the quality of care provided. A descriptive correlational cross-sectional study was performed, with a convenience sample of family caregivers (n = 126) of stroke patients in Italy (26.2%), Poland (23.8%), Portugal (25.4%) and Spain (24.6%). Two-thirds were women. Data were collected using a questionnaire on participants’ characteristics and circumstances and the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI). The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson’s product-moment correlation coefficient and t Student test. The average burden score on the ZBI was 56.6, representing an intense burden, showing gender differences (women scored higher than men) (t = 2.358; p = .020), but no differences between countries. A significant positive correlation was observed between burden and use of psychopharmaceuticals (r = .230; p = .012), increased use of social and health care services (r = .257; p = .005), and weekly time spent on care (r = .261; p = .000). A significant negative correlation was observed between burden and physical (r = − .366; p = .000) and psychological health (r = − .537; p = .000), quality of the relationship with the person they care for (r = − .408; p = .000), to find a meaning of care work (r = − .312; p = .000) and the financial situation (r = − .470; p = .009). The results of Student’s t-tests showed significant differences in the perceived burden depending on receive (or not) support from persons belonging to public, private or non-profit organizations (t = -2.669; p = .009), and whether (or not) to perform care voluntarily (t = 3.693; p = .000). No significant relationships were observed between burden and official recognition of caregiver status, sharing care with other family members or knowing that they can rely on them on an ad hoc basis, or receiving public financial support. This study shows that family caregivers of people with stroke experience intense levels of burden, influenced by health, social and economic factors across all countries studied. Supporting caregivers requires targeted strategies, including self-care promotion, psychosocial and educational interventions, and stronger support systems. Coordinated action from public, private, and non-profit organizations is essential to reduce caregiver burden and improve both caregiver well-being and the quality of care provided.