ObjectiveTo explore the prevalence of anxiety symptoms and its related factors among the family caregivers of the disabled elderly. MethodsA cross-sectional survey based on convenience sampling was conducted among family caregivers between November and December, 2013 in Dongcheng district in Beijing. The Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) and the Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS) were used to evaluate caregivers' anxious symptoms and social support status respectively. The degree of functional impairment of the elderly was measured by Barthel index. ResultsA total of 243 family caregivers took part in the study including 88 males and 155 females. The average age of the family caregivers was (60±1.7) years old, ranging from 25 to 85. The prevalence rate of anxiety was 29.2% reported by family caregivers. The average score of SAS was 35.6±8.6. The risk factors of caregivers' anxiety included Barthel index score ≤20 (OR=1.51), SSRS score ≤33 (OR=4.56), no time to relax (OR=1.57) and poor health status caregivers feeling (OR=3.48). ConclusionA relative high level of anxiety exists in family caregivers for the disabled elderly. Caregiver anxiety is a complex process, influenced by diverse care receiver and caregiver characteristics.