J Pediatr Psychol. 2025 Oct 24:jsaf086. doi: 10.1093/jpepsy/jsaf086. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: Increasing numbers of caregivers in the United States face challenges caring for children with special health care needs. Research has identified unique challenges for caregivers, including limited resources and mental health issues. Caregiver burden involves various strains from the ongoing care of a loved one. This scoping review explored the emotional, financial, physical, and social dimensions of burden among caregivers of children with multiple conditions. It also examined study characteristics, measurement tools, and associations among constructs.
METHOD: A scoping review followed PRISMA-ScR guidelines using PubMed and PsycINFO for literature searches focused on caregiver burden and experiences.
RESULTS: Eighteen studies met inclusion criteria with three categories emerging: studies on children with medical complexity (n = 3), varied pediatric conditions (n = 7), and specific conditions (n = 8). Significant associations between caregiver burden and the number of co-occurring conditions were noted overall, as well as differences in burden for caregivers of children with and without co-occurring conditions.
CONCLUSIONS: This review discusses the general findings, strengths, and limitations of the existing body of research. Future research should aim for more diverse samples and assess caregiver burden longitudinally. Pediatric psychologists should work to assess and reduce caregiver burden in families, especially for caregivers whose children have multiple diagnoses.
PMID:41145380 | DOI:10.1093/jpepsy/jsaf086
