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Abstract
Dementia is a progressive disease that puts substantial strain on caregivers. Many persons with dementia (PwDs) receive care from a relative. Since male and female caregivers experience different issues related to stress, it is important to meet their different needs to prevent the early nursing home placement of PwDs. This study investigated the multifactorial aspects of caregiver burden and explored gender differences in caregiver burden in a rural setting. This was a cross sectional study that administered anonymous questionnaires to family caregivers of PwDs. Caregiver burden was assessed using the Burden Scale for Family Caregivers—short version. A path model was used to determine the multivariate associations between the variables. To reflect the multifaceted aspects of caregiver burden, we used Pearlin’s model with its four dimensions. A total of 113 family caregivers responded to our survey. The overall burden of caregivers was moderate. According to the path model, gender differences were predictors of caregiver burden. The behaviour of the person with dementia and cohabitation had direct effects on caregiver burden. Our results suggest that the experiences of men and women caring for a PwD are different and highlight the need for tailored support in dementia care.
Highlights
The increasing number of aging people in western countries is one of the most significant economic, social, and medical issues of current times [1]
The aims of this study were (1) to investigate the caregiver burden of family caregivers of PwDs, (2) to explore the multifactorial aspects contributing to caregiver burden, and (3) to investigate the gender differences in the experience of burden in a rural setting
Our results were in line with those of previous studies suggesting that women generally experience higher caregiver burden when caring for a PwD compared with male caregivers [37,55,56]
Summary
The increasing number of aging people in western countries is one of the most significant economic, social, and medical issues of current times [1]. The European population is aging fast as a result of prolonged life expectancy and a decline in birth rates [2]. Due to an irreversible decline in cognitive, social, and physical function, persons with dementia (PwDs) can develop a need for care in the early stages of the disease and become increasingly dependent on caregivers as the disease progresses [3]. The majority of PwDs live in the community, where relatives play an essential role in the maintenance of care at home, delaying transition into formal care institutions, and contributing to the overall quality of life of the care recipient [5]. One member of the family (e.g., spouse, daughter, or son) assumes the role of the main care provider, often supported by formal care services. Due to neuropsychiatric and behavioural symptoms, caring for a person with dementia is stressful, and the risk of caregiver burden is higher compared to caring for a person without dementia [6]
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