Family-Centered Care and Sociodemographic Characteristics as Predictors of Caregiving Burden and Parental Self-Efficacy in Mothers of Infants With Congenital Heart Disease

OpenAlex İngilizce

BACKGROUND: Congenital heart disease requires complex care, placing mothers at risk of high burden and low self-efficacy. Family-centered care (FCC), emphasizing collaboration with healthcare providers, may alleviate these challenges. However, its predictive role in the Turkish context remains underexplored. METHODS: This cross-sectional, descriptive correlational study included mothers of 131 children aged 0 to 2 years who were followed at a pediatric cardiac surgery unit. Data were collected using the FCC Scale, Zarit Caregiving Burden Scale, and Parental Self-Efficacy Scale. Analyses involved descriptive statistics, Pearson correlations, and multiple linear regression. RESULTS: Lower FCC perceptions were strongly associated with higher caregiving burden and lower parental self-efficacy. For caregiving burden, Model 1 explained 58.7% of the variance (adjusted R2 = 0.587; F(5, 82) = 25.718, P < .001). Significant predictors were extended family structure (β = 0.235, P = .002) and lower FCC perception (β = -0.744, P < .001). For parental self-efficacy, Model 2 explained 60.1% of the variance (adjusted R2 = 0.601; F(10, 78) = 14.231, P < .001). Significant predictors were urban residence (β = 0.189, P = .012), greater illness knowledge (β = 0.184, P = .019), and higher FCC perception (β = 0.643, P < .001). FCC emerged as the strongest predictor in both models. CONCLUSION: Mothers' perceptions of FCC emerged as a key determinant of caregiving outcomes, demonstrating a protective role by reducing burden and enhancing self-efficacy. IMPLICATION FOR PRACTICE: Integrating FCC into pediatric cardiology as a standard of care-through clear communication, tailored education, perioperative support, and telehealth for rural families-can promote maternal resilience, reduce caregiving stress, and improve child health outcomes.