AI Insight
This cross-sectional study of family caregivers of spinal cord injury patients in China found that social support directly enhances caregiver preparedness and also works indirectly by reducing caregiver burden and illness uncertainty. The research identified a sequential mediation pathway where social support first reduces caregiver burden and uncertainty, which in turn improves preparedness for caregiving responsibilities. Statistical analyses demonstrated positive correlations between social support and preparedness, while caregiver burden and illness uncertainty were negatively associated with preparedness.
Why it matters
The findings provide evidence-based guidance for healthcare interventions targeting family caregivers of spinal cord injury patients. By identifying specific pathways through which social support improves preparedness, hospitals and community programs can design more effective interventions that focus on reducing caregiver burden, managing uncertainty about illness progression, and building practical caregiving skills.
Understand the Science
by Shuyuan Zhuang, Jiao Wu, Delong Li, li Li, Sihong Dong, Yuantong Zang
Objective
This study aimed to examine the effects of social support, caregiver burden, and illness uncertainty on preparedness among family caregivers of individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI), and to analyze the mediating roles of caregiver burden and illness uncertainty in the relationship between social support and preparedness.
Methods
A cross-sectional survey was conducted between June 2024 and April 2025 among conveniently selected SCI patients and their family caregivers from the orthopedics departments of two tertiary hospitals in Hohhot, China. Data were collected using the General Information Questionnaire, the Mishel Uncertainty in Illness Scale, the Social Support Rating Scale, the Chinese version of the Caregiver Burden Inventory, and the Chinese version of the Preparedness for Caregiving Scale.
Results
Correlation analyses indicated that caregivers’ preparedness was positively correlated with social support and negatively correlated with caregiver burden and illness uncertainty. Mediation analyses revealed that social support not only directly enhanced preparedness but also indirectly improved it by alleviating caregiver burden and reducing illness uncertainty. Furthermore, caregiver burden and illness uncertainty were found to form a sequential mediation pathway between social support and preparedness.
Conclusion
Social support enhances preparedness both directly and indirectly through reducing caregiver burden and illness uncertainty. To translate these findings into practice, healthcare providers should routinely assess caregivers’ support needs, integrate burden screening into follow-up visits, and offer uncertainty-management counseling. Hospital- and community-based support programs focusing on skill-building and peer support are also recommended to strengthen caregiver preparedness.