Abstract
Since the dementias lead to the need for caregivers, a Group for Dementia Caregivers (GC) was set up where the present study compared the psychosocial characteristics, quality of life and caregiver overload in a Group For Dementia Caregivers (GC) with caregivers not involved in this scheme (non–GC).Methods19 primary caregivers counseled by this group (GC group) was studied and compared to a group of 13 caregivers not receiving such counseling (non-GC group). The instruments used were the World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL-bref), the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and Caregiver Load Scale (CLS).ResultsThe two groups did not differ in mean age or gender (P<0.05). GC caregivers had a higher educational level, were service workers where majority were the children of patients. In the Non-CG group, the most frequent occupation was housewife, with most subjects being spouses. The WHOQOL revealed a significant difference (p<0.05) between groups in the physical, social relations and environment domains (GC>Non-GC). The STAI revealed a significant difference (p<0.05) in the Trait subscale (GC>Non-GC), but not in the State subscale. There was no significant difference in CLS.ConclusionThe GC appeared to be of benefit to its participants, with probable positive repercussions on the patients, particularly regarding their quality of life.
Highlights
Since the dementias lead to the need for caregivers, a Group for Dementia Caregivers (GC) was set up where the present study compared the psychosocial characteristics, quality of life and caregiver overload in a Group For Dementia Caregivers (GC) with caregivers not involved in this scheme
One group consisted of 19 primary caregivers who had participated in GC sessions, while the other consisted of 13 caregivers who had not participated in these sessions (Non-GC)
The caregivers who participated in the GC had a higher educational level, with a predominance of service workers according to the IBGE classification, majority being children of patients
Summary
Since the dementias lead to the need for caregivers, a Group for Dementia Caregivers (GC) was set up where the present study compared the psychosocial characteristics, quality of life and caregiver overload in a Group For Dementia Caregivers (GC) with caregivers not involved in this scheme (non–GC). The instruments used were the World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL-bref), the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and Caregiver Load Scale (CLS). Na WHOQOL, houve diferença significativa (pnão GC). No IDATE, houve diferença significativa (pnão GC), mas não na subescala Estado. Studies conducted in different parts of the world have demonstrated different prevalence of dementias, they are all significant, having a progressive characteristic. The increased life expectancy for the population, health policies that stimulate deinstitutionalization together with the economic and social rationale of the last decades have promoted a return of the patients to their family context and a corresponding need for caregivers who play a key role in keeping the patient in the community. Caregivers can be divided into primary and secondary types, with primary caregivers assuming the main responsibility for direct assistance to dementia patients (care regarding safety, hygiene, feeding, medication, social mediation etc.), while secondary caregivers help the patients regarding their needs but are not the main persons responsible for them.[4]
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