BACKGROUND: Informal care plays a substantial role in the provision of total care in dementia. Several reviews have been published on the predictive factors of subjective burden; however, such a review lacks information on objective burden, which refers to the amount and/or costs of informal care. OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to (1) give an overview of the predictive factors that are associated with the objective burden of informal care; (2) discuss whether these factors are similar to the predictive factors of subjective burden; and (3) examine whether they are modifiable. DESIGN: The literature in a number of international databases was systematically searched. Methodological quality and level of certainty were assessed. RESULTS: Ten studies were identified as relevant for the purpose of this review, describing a total of 39 predictive factors. Three factors (behavioral problems and impairments regarding daily functioning and cognition) were considered to be predictors of objective burden. Three factors were not related; 12 were potential predictors; and the results of the remaining 22 factors were inconclusive. CONCLUSIONS: Many factors were found to be (potential) predictors of objective burden, reflecting its complex nature. Objective and subjective burdens are 2 different relevant aspects of informal care. Interventions aimed at countering behavioral problems and impairments regarding daily functioning could reduce objective burden.
BACKGROUND: Informal care plays a substantial role in the provision of total care in dementia. Several reviews have been published on the predictive factors of subjective burden; however, such a review lacks information on objective burden, which refers to the amount and/or costs of informal care. OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to (1) give an overview of the predictive factors that are associated with the objective burden of informal care; (2) discuss whether these factors are similar to the predictive factors of subjective burden; and (3) examine whether they are modifiable. DESIGN: The literature in a number of international databases was systematically searched. Methodological quality and level of certainty were assessed. RESULTS: Ten studies were identified as relevant for the purpose of this review, describing a total of 39 predictive factors. Three factors (behavioral problems and impairments regarding daily functioning and cognition) were considered to be predictors of objective burden. Three factors were not related; 12 were potential predictors; and the results of the remaining 22 factors were inconclusive. CONCLUSIONS: Many factors were found to be (potential) predictors of objective burden, reflecting its complex nature. Objective and subjective burdens are 2 different relevant aspects of informal care. Interventions aimed at countering behavioral problems and impairments regarding daily functioning could reduce objective burden.
Authors: Travonia B Hughes; Betty S Black; Marilyn Albert; Laura N Gitlin; Deirdre M Johnson; Constantine G Lyketsos; Quincy M Samus Journal: Int Psychogeriatr Date: 2014-08-08 Impact factor: 3.878
Authors: J M Haro; K Kahle-Wrobleski; G Bruno; M Belger; G Dell'Agnello; R Dodel; R W Jones; C C Reed; B Vellas; A Wimo; J M Argimon Journal: J Nutr Health Aging Date: 2014-07 Impact factor: 4.075
Authors: Catherine Reed; Mark Belger; Grazia Dell'agnello; Anders Wimo; Josep Maria Argimon; Giuseppe Bruno; Richard Dodel; Josep Maria Haro; Roy W Jones; Bruno Vellas Journal: Dement Geriatr Cogn Dis Extra Date: 2014-02-19