Caregiver, child, family, and service system contributors to caregiver strain in two child mental health service systems

Children's mental health researchers are increasingly recognizing the importance of caregiver strain (i.e., the impact on families of caring for children with emotional and behavioral disorders). This study examined the caregiver, child, family, and service variables associated with caregiver strain with special attention to the role of barriers to care. These relationships were compared across enrollees in a managed care Medicaid and a traditional fee-for-service system. Findings indicated that severity of child problems was the most consistent predictor of caregiver strain. Although there was considerable similarity in the variables associated with caregiver strain across the two systems, important differences were also evident. Caregivers in the managed care setting were significantly more likely to report provider/payer-related barriers to care. Provider/payer barriers predicted strain in the managed care sample. In the fee-for-service system, barriers related to family perceptions and inconvenient location and appointment times were significant predictors.