Quality of life and caregivers' burden of Parkinson's disease: Analysis of a cohort from Rio de Janeiro/Brazil

Abstract

This study focused on the impact of the clinical and social features on the quality of life (QoL) and to recognize the burden felt by Parkinson’s disease (PD) caregivers. Included PD caregivers and was undertaken at the Alzheimer and Parkinson Disease Center, Rio de Janeiro. QoL of the caregivers was evaluated by Flanagan's Quality of Life Scale (1982) and Zarit Burden Inventory (ZBI) assessed caregiver burden. Clinical features of PD patients were assessed using Hoehn and Yahr and Schwab and England Scale. 61 caregivers were interviewed (mean age 52.07, ±15.4). The majority were women (78.7%). 96.7% were relatives, and 49.2% were only activity as caregivers. The mean scoring in the Flanagan Scale was 78,4 (±14,5), among men, mean 83,6 (±11,8), and women 77 (±15,02). The items of greatest satisfaction were related to physical well-being/health and material, and relationship with people. The items of greatest dissatisfaction were personal development and recreation. Mean ZBI scores were 29.3 (±13.7); among women, the mean was 29.7 (±14.4), men, 27.5 (±11.2). There was a statistical significance between ZBI and the caregiver's perception of QoL (p < 0.001); there was no statistical relationship between ZBI and Hoehn & Yahr, Schwab and England Scale, p > 0.05. QoL was considered moderate according to the Flanagan Scale, with higher levels of satisfaction in the areas of physical well-being and relationships with people. According to ZBI, the mean overload was considered mild-moderate, maintaining this result between men and women.