Prevalence of chronic non-specific low back pain among caregivers of stroke survivors in Kano, Nigeria and factors associated with it: A cross-sectional study

Physical pain among family caregivers to older adults: A scoping review of the literature

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Scholarship on the health of family caregivers to older adults continues to expand. Although existing research suggests that many family caregivers experience pain, which impacts their ability to perform caregiving tasks and is associated with care recipients' unmet needs, the scope of research on family caregivers' pain remains poorly characterized. We conducted a scoping review of research on pain among family caregivers to older adults to characterize existing evidence and identify knowledge gaps.

METHODS

We searched multiple databases spanning from January 2012 to July 2023, identified eligible studies using predefined inclusion/exclusion criteria, and extracted key data (e.g., study design/methodology, pain measurement, caregiver pain type, and major findings).

RESULTS

We identified 46 eligible studies conducted in the United States (n = 19) and internationally (n = 27). Studies often focused on caregivers for older adults with specific health conditions, such as cancer (n = 11), dementia (n = 8), or stroke (n = 3). The most commonly employed pain measure was a single-item dichotomous question about pain (n = 16), followed by a visual numeric or visual analog scale (n = 11). Nine studies (five randomized controlled trials) reported on five caregiver pain management interventions, including yoga/exercise programs and caregiver education programs.

DISCUSSION

Existing research on family caregivers' pain offers an important foundation. However, more robust research designs are necessary. We identify possibilities for future studies in addition to opportunities for systematic investigations to support the family caregivers being relied upon to care for the increasing number of older adults.

Occupational low back pain among Japanese caregivers: A large-scale cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Caregivers in Japan experience a high prevalence of low back pain (LBP), with age, sex, individual pain experiences, and central sensitization symptoms potentially influencing its chronic progression.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the prevalence of LBP among caregivers, as well as its relation to age and sex, and explore work status, psychological factors, and central sensitization symptoms as contributing factors to chronic LBP (CLBP).

METHODS

A large-scale cross-sectional survey was conducted among 1214 caregivers in 35 geriatric healthcare facilities. The survey assessed LBP and CLBP prevalence, work status, psychological factors, and central sensitization-related symptoms. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors influencing CLBP.

RESULTS

Among 936 valid respondents, the LBP prevalence was 69.2%. No significant sex differences were found in the prevalence of LBP and CLBP. Old age, higher pain severity, and severe symptoms related to central sensitization increased the risk of CLBP. However, work status and psychological factors did not significantly contribute to CLBP.

CONCLUSION

There is a high prevalence of LBP among caregivers, age and individual pain experience significantly impact CLBP. These findings emphasize the need for therapeutic strategies to manage pain intensity, especially in the acute phase, to prevent the progression to chronicity.

Prevalence and risks factors of caregiving-related low back pain among caregivers of stroke survivors: a systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Stroke causes disability that makes its survivors depend on caregivers for help. The caregivers offer help during lifting and transferring patients from one place to another. However, such activities result in the caregivers sustaining musculoskeletal injuries such as the low back pain (LBP). The aim of this study was to carry out a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the prevalence of LBP and its risk factors among these caregivers.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

PubMED, Embase, Web of Science (WoS) and CINAHL were searched until January 2023, and cross-sectional studies were included. Data on prevalence of LBP due to caregiving activities and participants' characteristics such as sex and nature of caregiving were extracted.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

Risks of bias of the included studies were assessed using Agency for healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) tool. The data were analyzed using both narrative and quantitative syntheses. In the quantitative synthesis, random effect model meta-analysis of the prevalence and odd of developing LBP between men and women; and between partial and complete caregivers was used. Fives studies (N.=644) were included. The results showed that the prevalence of LBP was 53.9%, with 96% CI from 50.0% to 57.8%. In addition, there was no statistically significant difference in the risk of developing LBP between men and women (OR=1.58, 95% CI=0.27 to 9.27, P=0.61); and between partial and complete caregivers (OR=1.33, 95% CI=0.32 to 5.61, P=0.70).

CONCLUSIONS

About half of caregivers of stroke survivors may experience LBP. Therefore, this should be considered during rehabilitation.

Evaluation of repositioning care provided by non-professionals using a caregiver-assistive device: an experimental study

As the population ages in Japan and worldwide, the number of informal caregivers, such as family members, providing nursing care to older individuals is increasing. Among caregiving tasks, repositioning care, which causes lower back pain, is frequent and burdensome for caregivers. Therefore, we developed a position-changing device that can adjust and support the care recipient's body in the lateral position. This was a feasibility study of the device-assisted care provided by non-professionals using the device we developed. Of the 40 healthy volunteers enrolled, 17 simulated caregivers and 17 simulated care recipients finally participated in the study. One caregiver and one care recipient were paired to engage in two types of care: device-assisted care and manual care. Furthermore, the care provided by the caregiver and received by the care recipient were evaluated. Non-professionals were able to use the device successfully and safely after a short period of practice, and both caregivers and care recipients rated the device-assisted care positively. The study results suggest that informal caregivers can also provide safe and comfortable care that is less burdensome than manual care by using a caregiver-assistive device.