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Oikonomou V, Gkintoni E, Halkiopoulos C, Karademas EC. Quality of Life and Incidence of Clinical Signs and Symptoms among Caregivers of Persons with Mental Disorders: A Cross-Sectional Study. Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:269. [PMID: 38275549 PMCID: PMC10815690 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12020269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Caring for individuals with mental disorders poses significant challenges for caregivers, often leading to compromised quality of life and mental health issues such as stress, anxiety, and depression. This study aims to assess the extent of these challenges among caregivers in Greece, identifying which demographic factors influence their well-being. METHOD A total of 157 caregivers were surveyed using the SF-12 Health Survey for quality-of-life assessment and the DASS-21 questionnaire for evaluating stress, anxiety, and depression symptoms. t-tests, Kruskal-Wallis tests, Pearson's correlation coefficients, and regression analyses were applied to understand the associations between demographics, quality of life, and mental health outcomes. RESULTS The study found that caregivers, especially women and younger individuals, faced high levels of mental health challenges. Marital status, educational level, and employment status also significantly influenced caregivers' well-being. Depression was the most significant factor negatively correlating with the mental component of quality of life. The magnitude of the burden experienced by caregivers highlighted the urgency for targeted social and financial support, as well as strategic treatment programs that consider caregiver well-being. CONCLUSIONS Caregivers of individuals with mental disorders endure significant stress, anxiety, and depression, influencing their quality of life. Demographic factors such as age, gender, marital status, education, and employment status have notable impacts. Findings emphasize the need for society-wide recognition of caregivers' roles and the creation of comprehensive support and intervention programs to alleviate their burden, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasiliki Oikonomou
- School of Social Sciences, Hellenic Open University, 26335 Patras, Greece; (V.O.); (E.C.K.)
| | - Evgenia Gkintoni
- Department of Psychiatry, University General Hospital of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece
| | | | - Evangelos C. Karademas
- School of Social Sciences, Hellenic Open University, 26335 Patras, Greece; (V.O.); (E.C.K.)
- Department of Psychology, University of Crete, 74100 Rethymnon, Greece
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Granados-Santiago M, Romero-Fernández R, Calvache-Mateo A, Heredia-Ciuro A, Martin-Nuñez J, López-López L, Valenza MC. Relationship between patient functionality impairment and caregiver burden: is there a cut off point for the severe COPD patient? Expert Rev Respir Med 2023; 17:247-253. [PMID: 36924330 DOI: 10.1080/17476348.2023.2190887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients experience a progressive limitation of their functionality accompanying their clinical evolution. Concretely, severe COPD patients usually require the figure of a caregiver. Caregiver burden has yet to be explored in other similar chronic diseases. The objective is to propose a cutoff point in different functional impairment aspects, to predict the presence of caregiver burden. METHODS Severe COPD patients were divided into two groups according to the caregiver burden, measured with the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI). The patients were assessed with the London Chest Activity of Daily Living (LCADL) scale, the Functional Independence Measure (FIM), and the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 (WHODAS 2.0). RESULTS 70 COPD patients and their caregivers were included in this cross-sectional study. The ROC curve indicated a cutoff point of 19 in the LCADL scale (AUC = 0.722). Dependence in daily life activities had a cutoff point of 123 in the FIM (AUC = 0.776). Social participation in activities of daily living had a cutoff point of 37 in the WHODAS 2.0 (AUC = 0.739). CONCLUSION Dyspnea related to functional status, dependence in daily life activities, and social participation in activities of daily living of severe COPD patients can predict caretaker burden.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ramón Romero-Fernández
- Department of Physiotherapy. Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Andrés Calvache-Mateo
- Department of Physiotherapy. Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Alejandro Heredia-Ciuro
- Department of Physiotherapy. Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Javier Martin-Nuñez
- Department of Physiotherapy. Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Laura López-López
- Department of Physiotherapy. Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Marie Carmen Valenza
- Department of Physiotherapy. Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
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Makhtar A, Ab Ghani NN, Syed Elias SM, Mohamed Ludin S. Social support and associated factors among family caregivers of older people in North-East Peninsular Malaysia. BELITUNG NURSING JOURNAL 2023; 9:69-78. [PMID: 37469632 PMCID: PMC10353626 DOI: 10.33546/bnj.2334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The negative health results associated with the family caregivers of older people can be alleviated with social support, which is considered a valuable resource. Hence, the factors contributing to social support need to be understood. Objective This study aimed to evaluate the social support associated with the family caregivers of older people. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 231 family caregivers of older people conveniently selected from two districts in Kelantan, a state in the North-East Region of Peninsular Malaysia. Data were gathered between June to December 2021 using a Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data in frequencies and percentages. Independent t-test and one-way analysis of variance were used to examine correlations among variables. Results The mean scores of social support for family caregivers were significantly higher among their family (Mean ± SD; 5.44 ± 0.969) and other important people (5.25 ± 1.123) compared to their friends (4.84 ± 1.094). Caregivers' gender and duration of caregiving were significant factors associated with social support (p <0.05). Conclusions The family caregivers received maximum support from their family and other important people, but they were less supported by their friends. This study also observed that the perceived social support of the caregivers of older people was affected by several factors, such as gender and duration of caregiving. This finding gives nurses and other healthcare workers the basic information they need to enhance nursing interventions and promote social support among those who care for older people, which can positively impact caregiving.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aniawanis Makhtar
- Department of Special Care Nursing, Kulliyyah of Nursing, International Islamic University Malaysia, 25200 Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia
| | | | - Sharifah Munirah Syed Elias
- Department of Special Care Nursing, Kulliyyah of Nursing, International Islamic University Malaysia, 25200 Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia
| | - Salizar Mohamed Ludin
- Department of Critical Care Nursing, Kulliyyah of Nursing, International Islamic University Malaysia, 25200 Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia
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Banitalebi S, Etemadifar S, Kheiri S, Masoudi R. The Effect of a Self-Management Program on Care Burden and Self-Efficacy in Family Caregivers of People With Multiple Sclerosis. J Nurs Res 2022; 30:e234. [PMID: 35997619 DOI: 10.1097/jnr.0000000000000509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Family caregivers of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) face many caring-related problems that increase their care burden and decrease their self-efficacy. Evidence-based self-management interventions may be used to improve care processes and resolve caregiver concerns. PURPOSE The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a self-management program on care burden and self-efficacy in family caregivers of people with MS. METHODS This study was performed in Iran in 2018-2019. The participants were selected using convenience sampling and assigned to control and intervention groups of 35 participants each using stratified randomization by gender. The intervention group participated in an eight-session self-management program. Data were collected using the Zarit Burden Interview and Scherrer Self-efficacy Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics in SPSS Version 16. RESULTS No significant difference in care burden scores was found between the two groups at baseline ( p = .953). However, mean scores for care burden in the intervention group were significantly higher ( p < .001) both immediately after completion of the intervention (42.6 ± 3) and at 3 months after completion of the intervention (36 ± 3), with the most significant improvement found immediately after the intervention. Similarly, no significant difference in self-efficacy scores was found between the groups at baseline ( p = .976). However, mean scores for self-efficacy in the intervention group were significantly higher ( p < .001) both immediately after and at 3 months after completion of the intervention (60.6 ± 4.7 and 72.7 ± 4, respectively), with the most significant improvement found at 3 months postintervention. CONCLUSIONS/IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Providing self-management programs to caregivers of people with MS is an effective approach to reducing their burden of care and increasing their self-efficacy. Enhancing self-management by learning adaptation skills, self-care skills, social support, and spiritual support promote improved self-efficacy and reduce the care burden of these caregivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soheila Banitalebi
- MSc, RN, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Shahram Etemadifar
- PhD, RN, Associate Professor, Community-Oriented Nursing Midwifery Research Center, Department of Adult and Geriatric Nursing, Nursing and Midwifery School, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Soleiman Kheiri
- PhD, Professor of Biostatistics, Modeling in Health Research Center, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Reza Masoudi
- PhD, RN, Associate Professor, Community-Oriented Nursing Midwifery Research Center, Nursing Department of Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
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Kavga A, Kalemikerakis I, Konstantinidis T, Tsatsou I, Galanis P, Karathanasi E, Govina O. Factors associated with social support for family members who care for stroke survivors. AIMS Public Health 2022; 9:142-154. [PMID: 35071674 PMCID: PMC8755957 DOI: 10.3934/publichealth.2022011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Vascular strokes are a primary cause of long-term disability for adults, with many social consequences for the patient, the family and healthcare systems worldwide. Aim To investigate the relation between patients' and caregivers' characteristics, as well as burden and depression, and the social support received by carers for stroke victims in Greece. Method Patients and caregivers were recruited from community settings in the Attica region of Greece, using purposive sampling. They completed a set of questionnaires during face-to-face interviews. Correlational and multiple regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with caregivers' perceptions of social support. Results In total, 109 dyads of patients and their respective caregivers were recruited. The patients' mean age was 69.3 years, while caregivers' mean age was 58.0 years; 51.4% of patients were males, whereas 67.9% of the caregivers were females. The majority of both patients and caregivers were married, with an annual family income less than €10,000. The level of perceived social support was significantly associated with patients' or caregivers' annual family income, caregivers' working status and the daily caring hours (p < 0.01). Greater perceived support was significantly associated with a lower care burden BCOS (r = 0.29, p < 0.01) and female gender (p = 0.023), but not with the patient's functional level nor with depression (p > 0.05).
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Kavga
- Department of Nursing, University of West Attica, Athens, Greece
| | | | | | - Ioanna Tsatsou
- Oncology-Hematology Department, Hellenic Airforce General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Petros Galanis
- Department of Nursing, National and Kapodistrian University, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Ourania Govina
- Department of Nursing, University of West Attica, Athens, Greece
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The Effects of Patients' and Caregivers' Characteristics on the Burden of Families Caring for Stroke Survivors. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18147298. [PMID: 34299748 PMCID: PMC8306485 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18147298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Revised: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Background: Vascular strokes are the leading cause of long-term disability for adults. They impose high levels of burden on the patient, the family, and national healthcare systems worldwide. This study aimed to assess the effects of patients’ and caregivers’ characteristics on the perceptions of burden in families caring for a loved one living with stroke in Greece. Methods: Using purposive sampling, 109 dyads of patients and their respective caregivers were recruited from the Attica region. Patients completed a questionnaire that included personal characteristics and the Barthel Index, while caregivers completed a set of questionnaires—personal characteristics, revised Bakas Caregiving Outcomes Scale (BCOS), Personal Resource Questionnaire (PRQ 2000), and Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression (CES-D). Results: Caregiving burden was linked to both patients’ and caregivers’ characteristics. A patient’s educational level, the number of family members living in the same house, the existence of equipment and facilities in the house, and the duration of provided care were associated with perception of greater burden. Regarding caregivers’ characteristics, those in good health had a significantly lower perception of burden. Higher PRQ 2000 scores were significantly associated with higher BCOS scores (less burden), and higher CES-D scores were significantly associated with lower BCOS scores (more burden). Conclusion: Caring for a loved one affected by stroke places a considerable burden on the caregiver. Systematic assessment and intervention strategies can help to identify caregivers at risk so that suitably targeted assistance may be provided.
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Hernández-Padilla JM, Ruiz-Fernández MD, Granero-Molina J, Ortíz-Amo R, López Rodríguez MM, Fernández-Sola C. Perceived health, caregiver overload and perceived social support in family caregivers of patients with Alzheimer's: Gender differences. HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE IN THE COMMUNITY 2021; 29:1001-1009. [PMID: 32783241 DOI: 10.1111/hsc.13134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Revised: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Perceived health in caregivers is related to caregiver burden, psychological well-being and social support. Women perceive poorer health and are more likely than men to experience caregiver overload. The objectives of this study were to analyse perceived health, perceived social support and caregiver overload in family caregivers of patients with Alzheimer's disease, as well as to study the effect of the perceived social support as a mediating variable between perceived health and caregiver overload was also analysed, taking into account the caregivers' gender. A cross-sectional descriptive design was used. The sample consisted of 255 family caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer's disease in the Almería Health District (Spain). This study was conducted from January to December 2015. The caregivers' mean age was 55.35 years (SD = 12.35), with 85.5% (n = 218) being women and 14.5% (n = 37) being men. The following questionnaires were administered: Goldberg's General Health Questionnaire-28; the Caregiver Strain Index, measuring caregiver overload; and the Duke-UNC-11 functional social support questionnaire. Poor perceived health, high caregiver overload and high perceived social support were found. Differences in perceived health and perceived social support were significantly higher in women than in men. In women, perceived social support was a mediating variable between perceived health and family caregiver overload. This mediation was not observed in men. This study suggests that perceived social support influences the emotional well-being and the caregiver overload of family caregivers of patients with Alzheimer's. However, its effect differs according to gender. It would, therefore, be necessary to have an in-depth understanding of the variables determining these differences in family caregivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Manuel Hernández-Padilla
- Department of Nursing Science, Physiotherapy and Medicine, University of Almeria, Almeria, Spain
- Adult, Child and Midwifery Department, School of Health and Education, Middlesex University, London, UK
| | | | - José Granero-Molina
- Department of Nursing Science, Physiotherapy and Medicine, University of Almeria, Almeria, Spain
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Temuco, Chile
| | - Rocío Ortíz-Amo
- Department of Nursing Science, Physiotherapy and Medicine, University of Almeria, Almeria, Spain
| | | | - Cayetano Fernández-Sola
- Department of Nursing Science, Physiotherapy and Medicine, University of Almeria, Almeria, Spain
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Temuco, Chile
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Pavarini SCI, Ottaviani AC, Bregola AG, Fraga FJ, Chagas MHN, Oliveira NAD, Brito TRPD. Association between perceived social support and better cognitive performance among caregivers and non-caregivers. Rev Bras Enferm 2021; 74:e20200329. [PMID: 33624689 DOI: 10.1590/0034-7167-2020-0329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE to identify the association between the characteristics of the support network and cognitive performance of older caregivers and compare characteristics between caregivers and non-caregivers. METHODS we evaluated 85 older caregivers and 84 older non-caregivers registered with primary care units regarding sociodemographic characteristics, cognition, and social support. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed. RESULTS among non-caregivers, significant associations were found between a better cognitive performance and receiving emotional/affectionate support; each one-point increase in the emotional support score and affectionate support score was related to a 0.43-point and 0.39-point increase in cognitive assessment, respectively. Among older caregivers, each one-point increase in the emotional support score was related to a 0.55-point increase in cognitive assessment. CONCLUSION strengthening the support networks of older caregivers and encouraging satisfactory exchanges of social support can assist in improving cognitive performance, which can have a positive impact on caregivers' health.
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Campos-Puente ADLM, Avargues-Navarro ML, Borda-Mas M, Sánchez-Martín M, Aguilar-Parra JM, Trigueros R. Emotional Exhaustion in Housewives and Alzheimer Patients' Caregivers: Its Effects on Chronic Diseases, Somatic Symptoms and Social Dysfunction. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16183250. [PMID: 31487943 PMCID: PMC6765817 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16183250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2019] [Revised: 08/24/2019] [Accepted: 09/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Background: Emotional exhaustion causes adverse effects in those who suffer from it. Housewives are not excluded. Domestic and care chores, which are considered to be sources of stress, increase when taking on the role of caregiver for a family member with Alzheimer’s disease. Objective: To analyse the influence of emotional exhaustion, somatic symptoms and social dysfunction, based on the activity they carry out. Methodology: Cross-sectional survey. 193 women participated, of which: housewives (HWs) (n = 97), and Alzheimer’s patient caregiver-housewives (CHWs) (n = 96). The evaluation tools were: sociodemographic/working data questionnaire (ad hoc), Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) and Goldberg General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28). Results: High rates of emotional exhaustion are observed, as well as an existing positive link between chronic diseases, somatic symptoms and social dysfunction. The structural model indicates that emotional exhaustion predicts the amount and extent of diseases, somatic symptoms and social dysfunction. The influence is higher in CHWs. Limitations: Sample procedure implemented at convenience; the variable of the grade of dependence of the Alzheimer’s patient caregiver was not included in the study. Conclusions: The domestic and care chores that HWs and CHWs carry out affect their health. Hence the need to develop psychoeducative programmes that are adapted to the particular needs of these women and focused on the different areas of their everyday lives.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - María Luisa Avargues-Navarro
- Department of Personality, Evaluation and Psychological Treatment, CTS-432 Research Team, University of Seville, 41004 Seville, Spain
| | - Mercedes Borda-Mas
- Department of Personality, Evaluation and Psychological Treatment, CTS-432 Research Team, University of Seville, 41004 Seville, Spain
| | | | - José M Aguilar-Parra
- Department of Psychology, Hum-878 Research Team, Health Research Centre, University of Almeria, 04120 Almeria, Spain.
| | - Rubén Trigueros
- Department of Psychology, Hum-878 Research Team, Health Research Centre, University of Almeria, 04120 Almeria, Spain.
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