Caregivers Of Multiple Sclerosis Patients Research Articles

Beyond The Patient: Exploring The Psychological Burden On Caregivers Of Multiple Sclerosis Patients

Introduction: Multiple sclerosis is a chronic, progressive disease, leading to significant psychological impacts on patients and their caregivers. This study focuses on the psychological impact on caregivers of Multiple Sclerosis patients, particularly examining the correlation between the severity of disability and depression, caregiver burden and self-stigma. Methods: The study included 65 Multiple Sclerosis patients and their caregivers. Caregivers were assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory, ZARIT Burden Interview, Self-Stigma of Depression Scale and patients were evaluated using the Expanded Disability Status Scale. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics 17. Results: The study found higher scores in Beck Depression Inventory, Self-Stigma of Depression Scale and ZARIT Burden Interview among female caregivers, indicating a greater burden. Unemployment and lower educational backgrounds were significantly correlated with increased caregiver burden. A positive correlation was observed between the severity of the patient's disability and caregiver burden. Caregivers with mental illnesses reported higher levels of burden and depression. Conclusion: The study underscores the multifaceted impact of Multiple Sclerosis on caregivers, highlighting the need for comprehensive care approaches that include psychological support, education, and socio-economic assistance for caregivers. This holistic approach is essential for improving the overall management of Multiple Sclerosis, benefiting both patients and their caregivers.

The effect of implementing self-management plan on selfconcept of family caregivers of multiple sclerosis patients

Background and aims: Caring for patients with multiple sclerosis causes family caregivers many problems and challenges. Self-management interventions can facilitate the caring process and increase the quality of patient care. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a self-management program on Self-concept of the family caregivers of multiple sclerosis patients. Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted in 2018 at the MS Treatment Center of Shahrekord. The samples were selected through convenience sampling method. First, participants were assigned to two groups of men and women by stratified random sampling, and then men and women were assigned randomly to intervention (n=35) and control (n=35) groups. For the intervention group, the selfmanagement program was implemented twice a week in 8 sessions. Data collection was performed using the Coopersmith self-concept Inventory in two groups before, immediately after, and three months after the intervention. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 16.0. Results: The mean scores of self-concept in the intervention and control groups before the intervention were 72.6±9.1 and 72±10.6, respectively. There was no significant difference between the mean score of self-concept between the intervention and control groups before the intervention (P>0.05). The mean scores of self-concept immediately after the intervention in the two groups were 86.4±9.2 and 73±10.6, and three months after the intervention, they were 103±7.4 and 73.9±10.5, respectively. A significant increase in the scores of self-concept in the intervention group (P<0.001) was observed. Moreover, the independent t test showed a significant difference in the two groups immediately after and three months after the intervention (P<0.001). Conclusion: Self-management program increased the self-concept of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients’ caregivers. Therefore, selfmanagement can play a critical role in improving the quality of life of family caregivers and coping with the physical and psychological stress related to their caring role.

Assessment of the Burden of Multiple Sclerosis Patients' Caregivers in Saudi Arabia.

IntroductionMultiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease that constitutes a high burden on both patients and caregivers. Although many studies have assessed the burden of MS caregivers worldwide, no such studies have been conducted in Saudi Arabia. In this study, we aim to assess the burden of MS patients' caregivers in Saudi Arabia.MethodsThis cross-sectional study included caregivers of MS patients (for >1 year) who visited the neurology clinic at King Abdulaziz Medical City, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, between July 2017 and December 2018. The study utilized the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI) to assess the burden on MS patients' caregivers. In addition, the caregivers' demographic profile and certain information regarding the patient were also collected through an oral interview.ResultsThere were a total of 219 respondents, of which 117 (53.4%) male caregivers. For ZBI, the majority of caregivers reported little or no burden (57.1%), followed by a mild to moderate burden (30.1%), then a moderate to severe burden (10.5%), and only five (2.3%) reported a severe burden.ConclusionOur results showed a limited burden of MS on the life caregivers of MS patients. We stress the importance of assessing the burden in MS patients and caregivers as routine practice with the other important measures such as quality of life and medication compliance. The finding of this study will help in encouraging medical centers to establish more specialized MS clinics that put into consideration the psychological factors, burden of the disease, multidisciplinary approach, and support groups, which are currently few in number.

The Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Intervention on Anxiety, Depression and Burden of Caregivers of Multiple Sclerosis Patients Through Web Conferencing

The Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Intervention on Anxiety, Depression and Burden of Caregivers of Multiple Sclerosis Patients Through Web Conferencing

Adherence to disease-modifying therapies in patients with multiple sclerosis.

BackgroundMultiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, inflammatory progressive demyelinating disease of the central nervous system. MS is one of the main causes of disability among young adults, and its management is a serious challenge for the healthcare system.PurposeThe main purpose of this study was to examine adherence to first-line disease-modifying therapy (DMT) in MS patients using the self-report Multiple Sclerosis Treatment Adherence Questionnaire (MS-TAQ).Materials and methodsThe participants consisted of 226 MS patients (166 women and 60 men) who were treated with first-line immunomodulatory DMT. This study used a questionnaire designed by the authors, which contained questions about sociodemographic data, and the Polish version of the MS-TAQ.ResultsThe overall adherence was 76.5% according to the first criterion (missed ≥1 injection or tablet). There were no statistically significant differences due to sociodemographic variables between adherent and nonadherent patients. However, patients taking Avonex® significantly more often belonged to the adherent group (P=0.042). The most frequently mentioned reasons why nonadherent patients forget to take the drug included the following: too busy in their daily activities, indisposition to take the drug, unwillingness to take the drug, interference with daily activities, and dissatisfaction with the drug. The degree of adherence among MS patients treated with immunomodulatory drugs is high; however, some patients do not take medications regularly.ConclusionDue to the utility of the MS-TAQ, the caregivers of MS patients are able to quickly and easily assess the occurrence of side effects, ways to cope with them, and the occurrence of barriers to taking medication.

Quality of Life and Burden in caregivers of Multiple Sclerosis patients

Abstract Multiple sclerosis (MS) is one of the most disabling disorders of the central nervous system. Caregivers of individuals with MS may experience unique caregiver strain due to the age at onset and progressive nature of the disease. Additionally, because MS is more prevalent in women, men often become spousal caregivers. This places women in the position of being care recipients rather than caregivers. Some results also supported hypothesis that female caregivers reported a higher need for emotional support than male caregivers. As with female caregivers, decreased emotional support predicted poorer QoL among male caregivers. Caring for a MS patient may negatively impact several objective and subjective aspects of caregiver's life, such as physical and emotional health, morale, work life, finances, social mobility, interpersonal relationships and sexual life. In studies assessing the psychological consequences of care a higher level of anxiety and depression in caregivers than in the general population has been reported. Caregivers who experience burden are more likely to have a higher risk of depression and a lower quality of life. Early recognition of caregiver burden is important in determining appropriate interventions. In this review report the current state of knowledge about the QoL of MS caregivers as well the burden of MS caregivers has been described.

Effectiveness Solution-Focused Therapy Group, to Reduce Stress, Anxiety and Depression in Caregivers of Patients with Multiple Sclerosis

Background and Objectives: Caring for a patient with multiple sclerosis (MS) creates a lot of physical, economic, social, and psychological problems for caregivers and the patient’s families, which can also lead to mental disorders in caregivers. the aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of solution-focused group therapy in reducing anxiety, stress, and depression among caregivers of multiple sclerosis patients. Methods: In this semi-experimental study, among the members of the family with multiple sclerosis, there were cases of MS in Kerman province. A total of 30 individuals, who had met the criteria for entering the study were selected by a sampling method and randomly divided into 2 groups: experimental (15 people) and control (15 people). For the experimental group, solution-focused group therapy was performed in 6 sessions of 90 minutes (1 session weekly), however, the control group did not receive any intervention. The instrument for data collection was a depression, anxiety, and stress (DASS-21) questionnaire. It was completed by both groups before and after intervention. Results: The results showed that the mean score of depression, anxiety, and stress after intervention was significantly lower in the caregivers of the experimental group than in the control group (P < 0.001). In other words, solution-focused group therapy had a significant effect in reducing depression, anxiety, and stress among caregivers of people with multiple sclerosis. Conclusions: According to the results, solution-focused group therapy is effective in reducing depression, anxiety, and stress of caregivers of MS patients. Therefore, psychologists and rehabilitation therapists can use the positive effects of this method for caregivers.

Anxiety and depressive symptoms in caregivers of multiple sclerosis patients: The role of information processing speed impairment

BackgroundMultiple sclerosis (MS) patients have high rates of complications and disability, including cognitive impairment, that often, impact on caregivers' emotional health. Clarification may help identify improved supportive strategies for both caregivers and patients. ObjectiveWe aimed to analyse whether MS domain-specific cognitive impairment can influence the severity of psychiatric symptoms of MS caregivers. MethodsPatients with definite MS (n=63) and their corresponding caregivers (n=63) were recruited. In addition, 59 matched controls were enrolled for establishing normative cognitive data. Each patient underwent a complete neuropsychological testing for cognitive impairment and thorough clinical assessment, including data of disability status (EDSS), affective and emotional symptoms (depression, anxiety, anger) and fatigue. Psychiatric symptoms of the caregivers were assessed with the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). ResultsIn logistic regression analyses, even after controlling for other MS-related symptoms, cognitive deficits, namely impairment on Symbol Digit Modalities Test (OR=8.03, 95% CI=1.27–25.33, p=0.027) and on the Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (OR=6.86, 95% CI=1.07–21.97, p=0.042), were significant and independent predictors of more severe caregivers' depressive symptoms. ConclusionsInformation processing speed impairment is independently associated with more severe depressive symptoms of caregivers of MS patients, thereby reflecting a further deterioration of family setting.

Religiosity and its relation to quality of life in primary caregivers of patients with multiple sclerosis: a case study in Greece

The first objective of the current observational study was to assess the degree of religiosity in Greek Christian Orthodox primary caregivers of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). The second objective was to evaluate the interrelations between religiosity and quality of life (QOL) and to identify the determinants of QOL, an endpoint of considerable importance in clinical research and practice. Twenty-two male and 13 female primary caregivers (mean age 47.3 ± 12.4 years) of an equal number of patients with MS, who consented to participate, completed the Systems of the Greek version of the Belief Inventory (SBI-15R) and the Greek validated version of EuroQOL (EQ-5D). The analysis revealed high scores on religiosity, especially among females. Caregivers scored in the religious beliefs and practices subscale of SBI-15R with a mean score of 22.8 ± 7.8 (range 0-30) and with 7.1 ± 4.8 (range 0-14) in the social support subscale. However, both of the SBI-15R domains were almost unrelated to the degree of overall QOL. There was only a reliable (but with little clinical value) association between the pain/discomfort domain of the EQ-5D with the SBI-15R beliefs and practices subscale (r = -0.38, p = 0.03). Although high levels of religiosity among Greek Christian Orthodox primary caregivers of MS patients were evident, this study did not demonstrate any beneficial effect of religious beliefs and practices on their QOL. Further prospective studies with a population with the same and/or diverse religious and cultural backgrounds are needed to better elucidate the complex association between religiosity and QOL in primary caregivers of MS patients.