Factors affecting burden of main caregivers in children with epilepsy

Abstract

ObjectiveThe purpose of the study was to evaluate burden of main caregivers in children with epilepsy and to identify factors associated with caregiver burden.MethodMain caregivers of pediatric patients with epilepsy were enrolled four general hospitals in several cities of Korea. One hundred and twenty-fou caregivers of patients were included in this cross-sectional study. Sociodemograhic/clinical characteristics of patients and sociodemographic characteristics of caregivers were collected. The caregivers were assessed using the Korean version Zarit burden Interview (ZBI), Center for Epidemiological Studies of Depression Scale (CES-D) and social support/conflict scale. Multiple linear regression methods were used to evaluate factors contributing to burden of caregivers.ResultsOf the 124 participants, 98(81.7%) were the mothers. The mean score on the ZBI and CES-D were 23.66 (± 19.15) and 13.87 (± 12.95) points, respectively. Factors affecting of caregiver burden were the number of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), which patients are taking, and CES-D score by multiple linear regression analysis.ConclusionsHigher number of AEDs prescribed and depression of caregivers are main factors contributing to burden of caregivers in children with epilepsy.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.