Introduction

The way caregivers cope with care needs of chronically ill patients strongly depends on their competence to provide care and the perception of support from nearby sources. This study is aimed to establish the relationship between caregiving competence and social support for family caregivers of chronically ill patients in the department of Norte de Santander, Colombia.

Materials and Methods

A quantitative cross-sectional correlational study was conducted with 352 caregivers living in the municipalities of Cúcuta, Ocaña and Pamplona in Norte de Santander, who have been administered the instruments GCPC-UN-D, GCPC-UN-CPC and SSCI.

Results

Most caregivers in Cúcuta and Pamplona showed to have a mid-level of caregiving competence (50.6% and 49.4%, respectively), while caregivers in Ocaña showed a high level (89.3%). As for social support for caregivers, there were significant differences between the municipalities analyzed, finding out that caregivers in Cucutá and Pamplona were dissatisfied with the support they have received so far, while caregivers in Ocaña reported being satisfied.

Discussion

For caregivers, both caregiving competence and perception of social support vary across the different regions of the department.

Conclusion

It is evident the need to address the difficulties experienced by caregivers in terms of competence for effective caregiving and social support.

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