Factors influencing caregiver burden by dementia severity based on an online database from Seoul dementia management project in Korea

BMC Geriatrics

Hae Ri Na¹  Sukil Kim²  Kyung-hee Chae²  Kang Sook Lee²  Boyoung Kim³  Jennifer Ivy Kim³ 

[1] Department of Neurology, The Bobath Memorial Hospital, Seongnam-si, South Korea;Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea;Department of Public Health, Graduate School, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea;

关键词: Caregiver burden;    Patients with dementia;    Cognitive impairment;    Clinical dementia rating;   

DOI  :  10.1186/s12877-021-02613-z

来源: Springer

【 摘 要 】

BackgroundsAs the prevalence of dementia rises, caregiver burden also increases in South Korea, especially for informal family caregivers. This study aimed to analyze factors affecting caregiver burden by the severity of dementia based on data of patients in Seoul.MethodsA total of 12,292 individuals aged ≥65 years enrolled in the Seoul Dementia Management Project from 2010 to 2016 in an online database were selected. Caregiver’s burden was assessed using the Korea version of Zarit Burden Interview. Multiple regression analyses were performed to determine factors associated with primary caregiver’s burden after stratifying the severity of dementia.ResultsMost patients showed moderate levels of cognitive impairment (49.4%), behavior problems (82.6%), and ADL dependency (73.6%). After stratifying the severity of dementia, caregivers caring for patients with mild symptoms of dementia were experienced with higher caregiver burden if patients were under a lower score of IADL. Significant factors for caregiver burden among caregivers supporting patients with moderate symptoms of dementia include caregivers’ residence with patients, subjective health status, and co-work with secondary caregivers. Lastly, caregivers for patients with severe dementia symptoms experienced a higher caregiver burden from limited cognitive function, problematic behavior, and caregivers’ negative health status.ConclusionIn terms of sample size, this study had far more patients than any other domestic or international study. It was meaningful in that it analyzed characteristics of patients with dementia and caregivers affecting the burden of caregivers in Korea. Intensive social supports with multiple coping strategies focusing on different levels of patients’ clinical symptoms and caregivers’ needs should be planned to relieve the caregiver burden.

【 授权许可】

CC BY