Predictors of self-care among informal caregivers of patients with inflammatory bowel disease: a cross-sectional study

Daniele Napolitano; Paolo Iovino; Fabrizio Benedetti; Negin Dormi; Barbara Riegel; Ercole Vellone

Authors Daniele Napolitano, Paolo Iovino, Fabrizio Benedetti, Negin Dormi, Barbara Riegel, Ercole Vellone.

Abstract

Background Informal caregivers of individuals with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) face unpredictable responsibilities that may compromise their health. While caregiver burden and psychological distress are well-documented, little is known about caregivers’ self-care practices and their determinants.

Methods A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted across 9 Italian IBD Units between April and June 2024. Caregivers completed validated measures of self-care (Self-Care of Informal Caregivers Inventory), caregiver burden (Zarit Burden Interview), and psychological distress (Depression Anxiety Stress Scales–21). Logistic regression models were used to identify predictors of inadequate self-care behaviors.

Results A total of 229 caregivers were included (mean age 52.2±13.6 years; 59% women). Adequate self-care was high for routine behaviors such as daily hygiene (98.7%) and regular meals (87.8%), but low for emotionally and socially demanding behaviors, including professional counseling (18.3%), asking for assistance (12.2%), and accepting help (20.6%). Being unpartnered was associated with a higher likelihood of inadequate physical activity (odds ratio [OR] 2.38, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.32-4.17). Higher anxiety was related to inadequate attention to bodily discomfort (OR 1.32, 95%CI 1.11-1.56), whereas higher caregiver burden and depression were associated with a lower likelihood of inadequate emotional wellbeing strategies (OR 0.97, 95%CI 0.95-0.99), and inadequate help-seeking (OR 0.80, 95%CI 0.68-0.93), respectively.

Conclusions Caregivers maintain basic health habits but show marked vulnerabilities in emotional and social self-care domains. Psychological distress and relational factors play a key role, underscoring the need for caregiver-centered interventions that promote emotional wellbeing, resilience, and help-seeking.

Keywords Caregiver burden, caregiving relationships, inflammatory bowel disease, psychological distress, self-care

Ann Gastroenterol 2026; 39 (3): 326-335