Table 3 Differential impact of caregiving situation, caregiver characteristics, and environmental factors in influencing QoL of caregivers

Step 1

Caregiving situation (Chronic strains)

0.03

0.03

2.53

   Difficulty handling bizarre behavior and excessive and uncontrollable emotions

-0.06

   Difficulty handling negative symptoms

-0.20*

   Social costs associated with care

-0.13

Step 2

Caregivers' characteristics

0.15

0.12

4.78

   Year assumed responsibility for care of the relative

-0.05

   Caregiver's own chronic illness

-0.25***

   Family income

0.01

   Living together with the relative

-0.02

   Age of caregiver

0.31***

   Caregiver's education level

0.17*

Step 3

Environmental factors (Satisfaction with mental health services)

0.14*

0.18

0.03

5.31