Do carers of people with a chronic illness desire and seek psychological support? A quantitative systematic review.

Objective

This review systematically quantified engagement with psychological services among carers of people with chronic physical illness by determining the (a) prevalence and correlates of interest in, intention to access and use of services; and (b) availability of carer-specific interventions to increase psychological support-seeking.

Methods

We systematically searched four databases for quantitative peer-reviewed articles published from 2005 to 2025. Data was analysed descriptively using narrative synthesis. Study quality was assessed using internationally recognised tools.

Results

Twenty-nine studies were included. While many carers perceived a need for psychological support, comparatively few accessed support. Carers' desire for support was often rated as secondary to practical and patient-orientated services. Younger age, higher education and female gender were commonly associated with support interest and uptake. Carers were more likely to intend to access support after being proactively offered services. Two screening and referral pathway interventions were identified. Neither specifically focused on psychological support or increased service uptake.

Conclusions

Our review highlights the need to facilitate psychological support-seeking among carers. Screening and referral pathway interventions provide important mechanisms to identify carer needs and appropriate support services but may require complementary strategies to bolster support-seeking, including highlighting the benefits of support, validating carer needs and addressing attitudinal barriers.