Research Article

Impact of a Secondary Caregiver on the Well-Being of Primary Family Caregivers of People with Dementia: A Focus on Physical and Psychological Aspects

Volume: 10 Number: 3 September 30, 2025
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Impact of a Secondary Caregiver on the Well-Being of Primary Family Caregivers of People with Dementia: A Focus on Physical and Psychological Aspects

Abstract

Objective: The global number of people with dementia is rising, requiring caregivers from early disease stages. However, the effect of having a secondary caregiver on the primary caregiver’s physical and psychological well-being is unclear. This study aimed to compare primary caregivers with and without a secondary caregiver in terms of physical and psychological parameters. Material and method: This cross-sectional study included 61 primary family caregivers of people with dementia living in Izmir. Based on their caregiving arrangements, participants were categorized into two groups: those caregiving alone (n=26; 42.6%) and those caregiving with a secondary caregiver (n=35; 57.4%). Physical well-being was assessed using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (musculoskeletal disorders), International Physical Activity Questionnaire (physical activity), and Fatigue Severity Scale (fatigue). Psychological well-being was evaluated with the World Health Organization Quality of Life-Bref and Zarit Caregiver Burden Interview scales. Results: No significant differences were found in psychological measures between groups. However, physical well-being differences were observed. Caregivers without a secondary caregiver spent a significantly higher percentage of their day sitting due to caregiving tasks (p=0.020). They also reported more musculoskeletal symptoms in the spine (p=0.05), upper limbs (p=0.046), and lower limbs (p=0.019) over the past week. Conclusion: The presence of a secondary caregiver is linked to better physical well-being but does not significantly impact psychological wellbeing among caregivers of people with dementia. These results underscore the need to provide physical support to caregivers to maintain their well-being. These findings highlight the need for multi-faceted caregiver support programs, particularly in contexts where informal caregiving is culturally embedded. Keywords: Caregiver, dementia, physical well-being, psychological well-being, secondary caregiver.

Keywords

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Physiotherapy

Journal Section

Research Article

Publication Date

September 30, 2025

Submission Date

July 1, 2025

Acceptance Date

August 7, 2025

Published in Issue

Year 2025 Volume: 10 Number: 3

APA
Felekoğlu, E., Yakut Ozdemir, H., Özalevli, S., & Yener, G. (2025). Impact of a Secondary Caregiver on the Well-Being of Primary Family Caregivers of People with Dementia: A Focus on Physical and Psychological Aspects. İzmir Katip Çelebi Üniversitesi Sağlık Bilimleri Fakültesi Dergisi, 10(3), 470-476. https://doi.org/10.61399/ikcusbfd.1731388
AMA
1.Felekoğlu E, Yakut Ozdemir H, Özalevli S, Yener G. Impact of a Secondary Caregiver on the Well-Being of Primary Family Caregivers of People with Dementia: A Focus on Physical and Psychological Aspects. İKÇÜSBFD. 2025;10(3):470-476. doi:10.61399/ikcusbfd.1731388
Chicago
Felekoğlu, Elvan, Hazal Yakut Ozdemir, Sevgi Özalevli, and Görsev Yener. 2025. “Impact of a Secondary Caregiver on the Well-Being of Primary Family Caregivers of People With Dementia: A Focus on Physical and Psychological Aspects”. İzmir Katip Çelebi Üniversitesi Sağlık Bilimleri Fakültesi Dergisi 10 (3): 470-76. https://doi.org/10.61399/ikcusbfd.1731388.
EndNote
Felekoğlu E, Yakut Ozdemir H, Özalevli S, Yener G (September 1, 2025) Impact of a Secondary Caregiver on the Well-Being of Primary Family Caregivers of People with Dementia: A Focus on Physical and Psychological Aspects. İzmir Katip Çelebi Üniversitesi Sağlık Bilimleri Fakültesi Dergisi 10 3 470–476.
IEEE
[1]E. Felekoğlu, H. Yakut Ozdemir, S. Özalevli, and G. Yener, “Impact of a Secondary Caregiver on the Well-Being of Primary Family Caregivers of People with Dementia: A Focus on Physical and Psychological Aspects”, İKÇÜSBFD, vol. 10, no. 3, pp. 470–476, Sept. 2025, doi: 10.61399/ikcusbfd.1731388.
ISNAD
Felekoğlu, Elvan - Yakut Ozdemir, Hazal - Özalevli, Sevgi - Yener, Görsev. “Impact of a Secondary Caregiver on the Well-Being of Primary Family Caregivers of People With Dementia: A Focus on Physical and Psychological Aspects”. İzmir Katip Çelebi Üniversitesi Sağlık Bilimleri Fakültesi Dergisi 10/3 (September 1, 2025): 470-476. https://doi.org/10.61399/ikcusbfd.1731388.
JAMA
1.Felekoğlu E, Yakut Ozdemir H, Özalevli S, Yener G. Impact of a Secondary Caregiver on the Well-Being of Primary Family Caregivers of People with Dementia: A Focus on Physical and Psychological Aspects. İKÇÜSBFD. 2025;10:470–476.
MLA
Felekoğlu, Elvan, et al. “Impact of a Secondary Caregiver on the Well-Being of Primary Family Caregivers of People With Dementia: A Focus on Physical and Psychological Aspects”. İzmir Katip Çelebi Üniversitesi Sağlık Bilimleri Fakültesi Dergisi, vol. 10, no. 3, Sept. 2025, pp. 470-6, doi:10.61399/ikcusbfd.1731388.
Vancouver
1.Elvan Felekoğlu, Hazal Yakut Ozdemir, Sevgi Özalevli, Görsev Yener. Impact of a Secondary Caregiver on the Well-Being of Primary Family Caregivers of People with Dementia: A Focus on Physical and Psychological Aspects. İKÇÜSBFD. 2025 Sep. 1;10(3):470-6. doi:10.61399/ikcusbfd.1731388



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