Relationship between caregivers’ burden, functional disability and quality of life in COPD patients

Abstract

Introduction: Caregiver burden refers to the physical, financial, and psychosocial problems of caring for a family member, with a chronic disease. COPD patients also have greater levels of functional disability than persons of comparable age in the general population. Previous studies reported that functional disability can influence quality of life in these patients. However, there is no evidence concerning the relationship between caregivers’ burden, functional disability and quality of life in COPD patients. Objective: The aim of the study was to determinate the relationship between caregiver burden, functional disability and quality of life in COPD patients. Methods: An observational transversal study was performed. Caregiver burden was measured by Zarit Burden Interview. Patient functional disability was assessed by World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS-II) and Functional Independence Measure (FIM). Quality of life was evaluated by Saint George’s respiratory questionnaire (SGRQ). Results: 42 caregivers with their respective patients were included in this study. All of the subjects had moderate-severe COPD (GOLD III-IV). We found significant correlation between Zarit, WHODAS, and FIM (p Conclusion: The study showed the existence of a relationship between caregiver burden, functional disability and quality of life in COPD patients.