A M Giovannetti1, M Leonardi, M Pagani, D Sattin, A Raggi. 1. Neurology, Public Health and Disability Unit, Scientific Directorate, Neurological Institute Carlo Besta IRCCS Foundation, Milan, Italy. ambra.giovannetti@istituto-besta.it
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To assess differences in the burden of caregivers of patients in Vegetative state (VS) and minimally conscious state (MCS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Family Strain Questionnaire, Coping Orientations to Problem Experiences, Caregiver Needs Assessment, Short Form-12, Beck Depression Inventory and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory were used. Differences in psychological condition between caregivers of VS and MCS patients, with different disease duration and hosting facility were assessed with Kruskall-Wallis test and factors associated with the overall levels of burden with UNIANOVA. RESULTS: In total, 487 participants were enrolled. Daily hours of care-giving is significantly associated with the overall level of burden perceived by caregivers (F = 4.099; P = 0.018). Strain, needs and frequency of use of coping strategies are substantially similar regardless of the patient's condition and distance from the acute event. Caregivers of post-acute patients reported low scores in mental health (median = 33.8; IQR = 23.1-47.6) and higher state of anxiety (median = 54; IQR = 45-62), whereas caregivers of long-term patients expressed more needs in social involvement (median = 19; IQR = 15-22). CONCLUSIONS: Burden and distress were high for all caregivers of VS and MCS patients. As care-giving is a long-term commitment process, support to the caregiver should be guaranteed throughout the duration of the relative's disease despite the patient's diagnosis or place where the patient is hosted.
OBJECTIVES: To assess differences in the burden of caregivers of patients in Vegetative state (VS) and minimally conscious state (MCS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Family Strain Questionnaire, Coping Orientations to Problem Experiences, Caregiver Needs Assessment, Short Form-12, Beck Depression Inventory and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory were used. Differences in psychological condition between caregivers of VS and MCS patients, with different disease duration and hosting facility were assessed with Kruskall-Wallis test and factors associated with the overall levels of burden with UNIANOVA. RESULTS: In total, 487 participants were enrolled. Daily hours of care-giving is significantly associated with the overall level of burden perceived by caregivers (F = 4.099; P = 0.018). Strain, needs and frequency of use of coping strategies are substantially similar regardless of the patient's condition and distance from the acute event. Caregivers of post-acute patients reported low scores in mental health (median = 33.8; IQR = 23.1-47.6) and higher state of anxiety (median = 54; IQR = 45-62), whereas caregivers of long-term patients expressed more needs in social involvement (median = 19; IQR = 15-22). CONCLUSIONS: Burden and distress were high for all caregivers of VS and MCS patients. As care-giving is a long-term commitment process, support to the caregiver should be guaranteed throughout the duration of the relative's disease despite the patient's diagnosis or place where the patient is hosted.
Authors: Michelle Willems; Davide Sattin; Ad J J M Vingerhoets; Matilde Leonardi Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2015-04-01 Impact factor: 3.390
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