Navigating caregiving challenges: the interplay of health literacy and resilience in families of chronically ill older adults

Background This study examined the mediating role of resilience in the relationship between health literacy and the challenges faced by caregivers of older adults with chronic diseases in Egypt. Methods This study employed a cross-sectional descriptive research design, adhering to the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) guidelines. Participants were selected through purposive sampling based on specific inclusion criteria, resulting in a sample of 253 caregivers. Data collection involved the Health Literacy Scale for Family Caregivers (HLSFC), the Care Challenge Scale (CCS), and the Resilience Inventory (RESI). The Pearson correlation test examined relationships between continuous parametric data, while linear regression analysis predicted dependent values based on independent variables. Hypothesis testing was conducted using path analysis with the SPSS macro PROCESS. Results Significant negative correlations were found between family caregiver health literacy and caregiver challenges ( r = −0.186, p = 0.003) and between health literacy and resilience ( r = −0.195, p = 0.002). A positive correlation was observed between caregiver challenges and resilience ( r = 0.132, p = 0.035). However, resilience did not significantly affect caregiver challenges (B = 0.1388, p = 0.1145). The direct effect of health literacy on caregiver challenges was significant (Path C′: B = −0.0619, p = 0.0086), as was the total effect (B = −0.0692, p = 0.0029). Neither health literacy (B = −0.0901, p = 0.7711) nor resilience (B = 0.0454, p = 0.9648) was a significant predictor of caregiver challenges in this model. The interaction term (Health Literacy x Resilience) was also insignificant (B = 0.0007, p = 0.9273), indicating that resilience does not moderate the relationship between health literacy and caregiver challenges. Conclusion This study reveals complex relationships among health literacy, caregiver challenges, and resilience in family caregivers. Higher health literacy is associated with fewer caregiving challenges and lower resilience levels; however, resilience does not mediate or moderate these relationships. Enhancing health literacy among caregivers is crucial for alleviating their challenges and enhancing their caregiving experiences. Future research should focus on targeted interventions to effectively increase health literacy.