scholarly journals Caring for a Relative with Dementia: Determinants and Gender Differences of Caregiver Burden in the Rural Setting

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (11) ◽  
pp. 1511
Author(s):  
Dagmar Schaffler-Schaden ◽  
Simon Krutter ◽  
Alexander Seymer ◽  
Roland Eßl-Maurer ◽  
Maria Flamm ◽  
...  

Dementia is a progressive disease that puts substantial strain on caregivers. Many persons with dementia (PwDs) receive care from a relative. Since male and female caregivers experience different issues related to stress, it is important to meet their different needs to prevent the early nursing home placement of PwDs. This study investigated the multifactorial aspects of caregiver burden and explored gender differences in caregiver burden in a rural setting. This was a cross sectional study that administered anonymous questionnaires to family caregivers of PwDs. Caregiver burden was assessed using the Burden Scale for Family Caregivers—short version. A path model was used to determine the multivariate associations between the variables. To reflect the multifaceted aspects of caregiver burden, we used Pearlin’s model with its four dimensions. A total of 113 family caregivers responded to our survey. The overall burden of caregivers was moderate. According to the path model, gender differences were predictors of caregiver burden. The behaviour of the person with dementia and cohabitation had direct effects on caregiver burden. Our results suggest that the experiences of men and women caring for a PwD are different and highlight the need for tailored support in dementia care.

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Filiberto Toledano-Toledano ◽  
David Luna

Abstract Background A family caregiver is defined as a person who has a significant emotional bond with the patient; this caregiver is a family member who is a part of the patient’s family life cycle; offers emotional-expressive, instrumental, and tangible support; and provides assistance and comprehensive care during the chronic illness, acute illness, or disability of a child, adult, or elderly person. The objectives of this study were to identify the psychosocial profiles of family caregivers of children with chronic diseases and to establish the relationship between these profiles and sociodemographic variables. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 401 family caregivers of children with chronic diseases at the National Institute of Health in Mexico City. The participants responded to the Sociodemographic Variables Questionnaire (Q-SV) for research on family caregivers of children with chronic disease and a battery of 7 instruments that examined anxiety, caregiver burden, family support, depression, resilience, parental stress, and the World Health Organization Well-Being Index. Results A hierarchical cluster analysis and its confirmation through a nonhierarchical cluster analysis confirmed two profiles of caregivers of pediatric patients with chronic diseases. Profile 1, called Vulnerability of family caregivers, is characterized by high levels of anxiety, depression, parental stress and caregiver burden, accompanied by low levels of family support, resilience, and well-being. Profile 2, called Adversity of family caregivers, shows an inverse pattern, with high levels of family support, resilience, and well-being and low levels of anxiety, depression, parental stress and caregiver burden. The sociodemographic characteristics are similar for both profiles, with the exception of the caregiver’s family type. Profile 1 shows more single-parent caregivers, while profile 2 includes more caregivers with a nuclear family. However, the type of family did not reach significance for predicting the caregiver’s profile in a bivariate logistic regression model. Conclusions The psychosocial profile of family caregivers of children with chronic diseases can be structured according to their psychosocial characteristics. Although no causal factors were detected that define criteria for belonging to one or another profile, the characteristics identified for each indicate the need for specific and differentiated intervention strategies for families facing adversity, risk and vulnerability during a child’s disease.


2021 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Roberta Spatuzzi ◽  
Maria Velia Giulietti ◽  
Francesca Romito ◽  
Giorgio Reggiardo ◽  
Carmela Genovese ◽  
...  

Abstract Objectives Older people are not traditionally expected to become caregivers. For this reason, the experience of caregiving in older persons has not been explored adequately in the research on gender differences. The objective of this study was to assess the caregiver burden among older family members who care for cancer patients facing the end of their lives, in order to compare their differences according to gender (male vs. female). Methods This is a cross-sectional study. A total of 102 older caregivers (aged ≥65 years) of hospice patients were interviewed through the Caregiver Burden Inventory (CBI). The sample group was divided into two gender subgroups. Results Compared with male caregivers, the older female group reported significantly higher scores in the CBI–physical subscale (P = 0.028), and in the CBI, the overall score (P = 0.0399) confirmed by the generalized linear model (multivariate) evaluation that included possible predictors in the model. There were no significant differences in the other CBI subscale scores (time-dependent, developmental, social, and emotional). Significance of results Older female caregivers are at higher risk of experiencing burden and worse physical health compared with men. Further research is needed in modern palliative care to assess the role of gender differences in the experience of caregiving when the caregiver is an older person.


2020 ◽  
pp. 073346482092010
Author(s):  
Rabia Khalaila

Objectives: To examine the associations and the mechanisms between caregiver burden and compassion fatigue among family caregivers. Method: A cross-sectional study comprising 300 family caregivers of older relatives in Arab communities in Israel was conducted. Data were collected via face-to-face interviews in Arabic using structured questionnaires to identify factors associated with compassion fatigue (using a secondary traumatization stress scale). Bootstrapping with resampling strategies tested the multiple mediator model. Main findings: The results show a significant total effect of caregiver burden on compassion fatigue ( b = 3.79, t(300) = 3.47, p < .001; R2 =.50). This association was found to be partially mediated by family support ( B = .81, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.23, 1.85) and disengagement coping ( B = .97, 95% CI = 0.19, 2.14), but was not mediated by engagement coping strategies. Conclusion: Compassion fatigue is prevalent among family caregivers and requires more attention from professionals and policymakers.


2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (7) ◽  
pp. 1072 ◽  
Author(s):  
Miguel A. Simón ◽  
Ana M. Bueno ◽  
Patricia Otero ◽  
Vanessa Blanco ◽  
Fernando L. Vázquez

This study examined the relationship between caregiver burden and sleep quality in dependent people’s family caregivers. A cross-sectional study was carried out with 201 dependent people’s family caregivers and 92 non-caregivers controls. Participants completed the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the Caregiver Burden Inventory (CBI), and an ad-hoc questionnaire to collect sociodemographic data. Based on CBI scores, subjects were categorized into three groups: family caregivers with high levels of perceived burden, family caregivers with low and medium levels of perceived burden and non-caregiver controls. There were significant differences among the groups in the PSQI total (F = 40.39; p < 0.001), subjective sleep quality (F = 25.55; p < 0.001), sleep latency (F = 16.99; p < 0.001), sleep disturbances (F = 14.90; p < 0.001), use of sleep medications (F = 6.94; p < 0.01) and daytime dysfunction (F = 20.12; p < 0.001). These differences were found only between the caregivers with high levels of perceived burden and the other two groups (p < 0.05). There were also significant differences between the groups in sleep duration (F = 18.34; p < 0.001) and habitual sleep efficiency (F = 24.24; p < 0.001). In these dependent measures, the differences were found in all the pairs examined (p < 0.05). These results suggest that caregiver burden is related to sleep quality, so that caregivers with greater perceived burden have a worse sleep quality.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Verônica Moreira ◽  
Valquiria Nedel ◽  
Márcia Lorena Chaves ◽  
Raphael Castilhos ◽  
Maira Olchik

Background: Dysphagia is prevalent in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and can influence caregivers’ burden. Objectives: Evaluate the impact of feeding process in caregivers’ burden of individuals with AD. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study. Caregivers of individuals with AD who attended the dementia outpatient clinic and are over 18 years of age were included. We collected demographic variables and the Zarit Burden Interview - Short Version (ranging from 0 to 48) and The Edinburgh Feeding Evaluation in Dementia Scale (scoring from 0 to 20) scales. Relationship between the two scales and demographic variables were sought. Results: 38 caregivers were included, with a mean age of 55.2 (± 4) years, 68.4% female, 76.3% spouses and with an average time as a caregiver of 4.6 (± 3.1) years, the same average of the patients’ disease time. 71% caregivers do not report changes in the patient’s diet and 92.1% were never instructed about the feeding process during the course of the disease. The aspects “the patient requires close supervision while feeding” (p=0.024) and “there is spillage while feeding” (p=0.004) were correlated and showed an impact on the level of burden. Conclusion: Despite the short period of illness and no dietary changes, tasks related to food impact the burden of the caregivers.


2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Wenhao Fu ◽  
Jiajia Li ◽  
Feng Fang ◽  
Dan Zhao ◽  
Wenting Hao ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Informal caregivers are the main source of care for the critically ill, especially after discharge or during the terminal stages at home. However, the concern for informal caregivers is often overshadowed by critically ill patients. The purpose of this study is to determine the influencing factors of the subjective burden of informal caregivers and to seek solutions accordingly. Methods Between July and August 2019, a cross-sectional study was conducted in Shandong, China, focusing on family caregivers and critically ill patients. Subjective caregiver burden was measured by the Chinese version of Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI). The stress process model was used to identify conditions relevant to the caregiving burden and to assess their impact on family caregivers. Results 554 samples were selected for analysis. The average scores of Zarit Caregiver Burden Interview (ZBI) scores in this study was 30.37±19.04 (n=554). ZBI scores of older, less educated, and spouse caregivers were significantly lower (4.12; 95%CI, 0.42 to 7.81; P =0.029). Objective and subjective burdens increased proportionally. Secondary role stress factors included the higher out-of-pocket (OOP) costs of critical diseases and lower household income, both of which increased caregivers’ subjective burdens (1.28; 95%CI, -0.06 to 2.63; p=0.062). Formal medical aid systems played a positive role in reducing subjective caregiving burdens (-7.31; 95%CI, -13.23 to -1.40; p=0.016). Conclusions Health policies should address both the direct medical burdens and the intangible psychological burdens of critical diseases.


2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 809-810
Author(s):  
Taiji Noguchi ◽  
Takahiro Hayashi ◽  
Yuta Kubo ◽  
Naoki Tomiyama ◽  
Akira Ochi ◽  
...  

Abstract COVID-19 infections are particularly lethal in older adults; thus, social activities of older adults and their families in the community have been restricted. The threat of infection, restrictions on social activities, and limitations on the provision of care services for older adults could increase family caregivers’ burden and impact their mental health. This cross-sectional study examined the association between family caregiving and change in depression during the COVID-19 pandemic. In October 2020, we conducted a mailed questionnaire survey on a random sample of functionally independent community-dwelling older adults in a semi-urban area of Japan. Based on the depression status between March and October 2020, participants were classified into four groups: “consistently non-depressed,” “depression onset,” “recovering from depression,” and “remained depressed.” Participants were assessed for providing care for their family members or not. Caregiver participants were also assessed on their caregiving role (primary or secondary), the severity of their care-recipient’s needs, and an increased caregiver burden. Data from 957 older adults were analyzed. The participants’ mean age (SD) was 80.8 (4.8) years, and 53.5% were female. Multivariable multinomial logistic regression analysis revealed that family caregiving was associated with depression onset (OR=3.17 [95%CI=1.57-6.40], p=0.001) and remaining depressed (2.53 [1.36-4.71], p=0.004). Particularly, primary caregivers, those providing care for family members with severer care need-levels, and those with an increased caregiver burden had a higher risk of depression onset and remaining depressed. Family caregivers could have severe mental health conditions during the pandemic. Developing a support system is essential to protect their mental health.


2017 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
pp. 233372141770373 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paula W. Rushton ◽  
Delphine Labbé ◽  
Louise Demers ◽  
William C. Miller ◽  
William B. Mortenson ◽  
...  

Objective: In this study, we aimed to describe the burden of family caregivers providing powered wheelchair-related and overall assistance and test the hypotheses that caregiver burden correlates with participation, wheelchair skills capacity, anxiety, depression, and social support. Methods: Cross-sectional study. Participants included 35 family caregivers of powered wheelchair users. Caregivers were assessed using the Power Mobility Caregiver Assistive Technology Outcome Measure, Late Life Disability Instrument, Wheelchair Skills Test Questionnaire for caregivers, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and Interpersonal Support Evaluation List–12. Results: The most burdensome powered wheelchair assistance items were providing verbal hints/directions, needing to be nearby, anxiety, and fear that user may be harmed. The most burdensome overall assistance item was feeling limited in recreational/leisure activities. Caregiver burden was significantly correlated with participation limitations, anxiety, depression, and social support. Discussion: Caregivers experience burden for wheelchair-related and overall help, especially psychological burden. Such results have implications for the type of resources required to support family caregivers.


2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elkin Herney Peñaranda-Pabón ◽  
Yury Alexandra Rico-Medina ◽  
Yoli Andreina Rozo-Hurtado ◽  
Olga Marina Vega-Angarita

AbstractIntroduction: Because of the high demand and costs of care, chronic diseases have shown an Increasing number of caregivers who develop their role without the required training and skill. Objective: To describe the capacity for home care of caregivers of patients with chronic illness in a service provider institution of San José de Cúcuta. Materials and methods: Descriptive quantitative cross-sectional study, developed in the fi rst half of 2017. The sample was  composed by 360 caregivers of patients with chronic disease. We used the instruments developed by the Chronic Patient Care Group of the Faculty of Nursing of the National University of Colombia called: GCPC-UN-C © - technical characterization chart for family caregivers of patients with chronic non-transferable disease and the instrument “Caring” - short version to measure the competence of care at home. Results: In the study, low and medium levels of competence of the caregivers were reported in the exercise of their role, and the categories Knowledge and Enjoyment (Welfare) were more affected. It is important to note that caregivers with a high level of competence were not reported. Conclusion: The results show that the need for nursing intervention in strengthening the competence of caregivers remains an important constant of professional performance. Keywords: Chronic disease, chronic patient, caregiver, competenciesCuidadores familiares: Competencia en la atención de enfermos crónicosResumenIntroducción: Ante la magnitud de la demanda y costos en la atención, las enfermedades crónicas han visibilizado un creciente número de cuidadores, quienes se inician en este rol sin la capacitación y competencia requerida. Objetivo: Describir la competencia para el cuidado en el hogar de los cuidadores de personas con enfermedad crónica en una institución prestadora de servicio de San José de Cúcuta, Colombia. Materiales y métodos: Estudio cuantitativo descriptivo de corte transversal, desarrollado en el primer semestre del año 2017. La muestra estuvo conformada por 360 cuidadores de personas con enfermedad crónica. Se emplearon los instrumentos elaborados por el Grupo Cuidado de Enfermería al Paciente Crónico de la Facultad de Enfermería de la Universidad Nacional de Colombia, denominados: GCPC-UN-C©-ficha técnica de caracterización para los cuidadores familiares de personas con enfermedad crónica no transmisible y el instrumento “Cuidar” - versión corta para medir la competencia de cuidado en el hogar. Resultados: Se reportaron niveles bajo y medio de competencia de los cuidadores en el ejercicio de su rol, encontrándose en mayor afectación las categorías Conocimiento y Disfrutar (Bienestar). No se reportaron cuidadores con alto nivel de competencia al momento de desempeñar su rol. Conclusión: Los resultados muestran que la necesidad de intervención de enfermería en el fortalecimiento de la competencia de los cuidadores sigue siendo una constante importante de la actuación profesional.Palabras Clave: Enfermedad crónica, paciente crónico, cuidador, competencias.Cuidadores familiares: Habilidade no atendimento de doentes crónicosResumo Introdução: Dada a magnitude da demanda e custos dos cuidados, doenças crônicas têm tornado visível um número crescente de cuidadores que são novos para o papel sem o treinamento e competição necessário. Objetivo: Descreva a competência para cuidados domiciliários de cuidadores de pessoas com doença crônica em uma instituição de provedor de serviços de San José de Cúcuta. Materiais e Métodos: Um estudo quantitativo descritivo transversal, desenvolvido na primeira metade de 2017. A amostra consistiu de cuidadores de 360 pessoas com doença crónica. CGP-A-C © -ficha técnica de caracterização de cuidadores familiares de pessoas com doenças não transmissíveis crónicas e o instrumento: foram empregadas as ferramentas desenvolvidas pela medicina de grupo, paciente crônico da Faculdade de Enfermagem da Universidade Nacional da Colômbia chamado "cuidar" - versão curta para medir a competência de atendimento domiciliar. Resultados: Os níveis baixos e médios de competência dos cuidadores foram relatados no exercício do seu papel no cumprimento das categorias mais afetadas e Divirta Conhecimento (Bem-estar). Importante, não-cuidadores relataram um nível de competência alta na hora de desempenhar o seu papel. Conclusão: Os resultados mostram que a necessidade de intervenção de enfermagem no fortalecimento cuidadores concorrência continua a ser um importante desempenho constante.Palavras-chave: Doença crônica, pacientes crônica, habilidades cuidador.


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