Intangible cost and its associated factors among caregivers of individuals with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus managed at primary healthcare settings: a scoping review.

backgroundThe chronic and debilitating nature of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) not only places a significant burden on patients but also imposes high intangible costs on their caregivers. This review aimed to critically assess the intangible costs and their associated factors among caregivers of people with T2DM treated in primary healthcare settings.

methodA systematic search using several combinations of keywords was conducted in Scopus, WoS, and PubMed databases. The primary outcome was the score or levels of intangible costs, while the secondary outcome was the factors associated with such burden.

resultThe review included seven cross-sectional designs (six employing a quantitative approach and one a mixed-methods approach) that adopted the Zarit Burden Interview or Zarit Caregiver Burden Scale, with four reporting a mild level, two reporting a high level, and one reporting a moderate level. Associated factors identified were characteristics of the caregiver (e.g., female, housewife, and no or low income), caregiving characteristics (longer duration and time spent in taking care of the individual with T2DM), and clinical characteristics of individuals with T2DM (i.e., presence of complication and their health status).

conclusionIt was found that T2DM caregivers in primary healthcare settings experienced moderate to high levels of intangible costs. The identified vulnerable subgroup should be regularly screened for their levels of intangible costs to prevent poor outcomes in T2DM caregiving. Furthermore, the implementation of targeted support interventions for these caregivers could improve their well-being and the quality of care provided to individuals with T2DM, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes and reducing their intangible costs.