Anxiety, Self-Efficacy, and Their Correlates Among Caregivers of Patients With Ostomy: A Cross-Sectional Study in Southeastern Iran During 2023-2024

AI Summary

Anxiety and caregiver self-efficacy were significantly negatively correlated (r = -0.449, 95% CI -0.58 to -0.29, p < 0.001).
Caregiver education, age, sex, self-efficacy, and patient residence predicted anxiety (adjusted R² = 42.1%, p < 0.001).
Caregiver age, anxiety, and patient factors predicted self-efficacy (adjusted R² = 28.2%; includes marital status, addiction history, ostomy type).

Health Sci Rep. 2026 May 13;9:e72517. doi: 10.1002/hsr2.72517. eCollection 2026 May.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Caregivers of patients with ostomy often face physical and psychological challenges, including anxiety. Their ability to provide specialized care is closely linked to their sense of self-efficacy. This study aimed to assess anxiety and self-efficacy among caregivers of patients with ostomy.

METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted at a stoma clinic in Kerman province, Iran, from May 2, 2023 to July 20, 2024. Data were collected from 120 participants using a demographic questionnaire, the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A), and the Generalized Self-Efficacy Scale (GSE-17). Participants were over 18 years old, Persian-speaking, willing to participate, had no hearing or speech impairments, and completed at least 90% of the questionnaires. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 24, including descriptive statistics, correlation test, t-test, ANOVA, and stepwise multiple linear regression to identify predictors of anxiety and self-efficacy.

RESULTS: The mean age of the 120 caregivers was 40.15 ± 11.75 years, with most being female (74.2%). The mean anxiety score was 21.96 ± 8.13, while the mean self-efficacy score was 55.98 ± 6.38. Anxiety and self-efficacy showed a significant negative correlation (r = -0.449, 95% CI -0.58 to -0.29, p < 0.001). Regression analysis revealed that caregiver education, age, sex, self-efficacy, and patient residence predicted anxiety (adjusted R² = 42.1%, p < 0.001). In contrast, caregiver age, anxiety, and patient marital status, addiction history, and ostomy type predicted self-efficacy (adjusted R² = 28.2%, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed a correlation between anxiety and self-efficacy among caregivers of patients with ostomy. We also found that certain sociodemographic factors predict levels of anxiety and self-efficacy. Therefore, healthcare workers should assess caregivers’ anxiety and self-efficacy levels, foster a positive environment, and improve overall quality of life for both caregivers and patients.

PMID:42137902 | PMC:PMC13169127 | DOI:10.1002/hsr2.72517

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