Financial Toxicity in Dementia Caregiving (P14-6.006)

Abstract

<h3>Objective:</h3> Estimate the prevalence of financial toxicity in dementia caregiving and assess its sociodemographic correlates. <h3>Background:</h3> Dementia caregiving is associated with significant financial costs, contributing to caregiver burden. The term “financial toxicity” has been used in a variety of care settings to describe the negative effects of medical expenses on both financial security and health-related quality of life. In this study we utilize the validated COmprehensive Score for financial Toxicity (COST) to examine the experience of financial toxicity in dementia caregiving. <h3>Design/Methods:</h3> We conducted a nationally representative survey of 317 US dementia caregivers, oversampling non-Hispanic Black (n = 75) and Hispanic (n = 61) caregivers, including the COST questionnaire. Based on prior literature, financial toxicity was defined as COST &lt;26 and further categorized as mild (COST ≥14 &amp; &lt;26), moderate (COST &gt;0 &amp; &lt;14), or severe (COST = 0) according to the measure’s predetermined cut points. <h3>Results:</h3> COST scores ranged between 0 and 44, with a survey-weighted mean of 24.57 and standard deviation of 9.8. Weighted analysis revealed 52.7% of American caregivers experience some degree of financial toxicity. Of those who experience financial toxicity, 73.1% are classified as mild, 25.7% as moderate, and 1.2% as severe. Financial toxicity was identified in 69.5% of non-Hispanic Black, 54.1% of Hispanic, and 42.3% of non-Hispanic White caregivers, with non-Hispanic Black caregivers significantly more likely to experience financial toxicity compared to their non-Hispanic White counterparts (p = 0.017). <h3>Conclusions:</h3> Most dementia caregivers in the US experience financial toxicity. Our findings indicate racial differences in the experience of financial toxicity among American dementia caregivers. <b>Disclosure:</b> Miss Hart has nothing to disclose. Mr. Leggins has nothing to disclose. Mrs. Sanches has nothing to disclose. The institution of Dr. Chiong has received research support from the National Institutes of Health. The institution of Dr. Chiong has received research support from the Dana Foundation. Dr. Chiong has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a member, NeuroEthics Working Group with National Institutes of Health.