Mediating role of self-efficacy in the relationship between social support and perceived stress among caregivers of older patients under hemodialysis

The study aimed to explore the relationship between social support and perceived stress, considering self-efficacy as a mediator, in caregivers of older adult hemodialysis patients. This descriptive, cross-sectional study involved 252 primary caregivers of older patients. Participants were selected through a convenience sampling method from dialysis centers in Qazvin province, Iran. Data were collected using demographic checklists, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, general self-efficacy, and Cohen’s Perceived Stress questionnaires. The collected data were analyzed using multivariable regression models. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was run to determine the mediating role of self-efficacy in the relationship between social support and perceived stress. The mean age of caregivers who participated in the study was 44.9 ± 13.16 years. Most were women (144; 57.10%) and married (200; 79.4%). The results of the regression model showed a significant association between perceived stress and both social support [β (SE): -0.24(0.07), p < 0.001] and self-efficacy [β(SE): -0.58(0.06), p < 0.001]. The results also confirmed the mediating role of self-efficacy in the association between social support and perceived stress (p < 0.001). The results of the present study showed a significant and negative association between social support and perceived stress with self-efficacy as a mediator among caregivers of older patients under hemodialysis. Greater attention should be given to promoting caregivers’ self-efficacy to reduce their perceived stress.