Predictors Of Caregiver Burden Research Articles

Caregiver burden and influencing factors among family caregivers of patients with glioma: A cross-sectional survey

ObjectiveThe main responsibility of caring for patients with glioma is assumed by family caregivers who experience a considerable burden during the care process. This study aimed to investigate the level of caregiver burden and explore its associated factors among family caregivers of patients with glioma. MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study among 131 family caregivers of glioma patients from October 2017 to November 2019. We used the following measurement tools: a demographic questionnaire, the Zarit Burden interview (ZBI), the Hamilton anxiety and depression scale, and the family APGAR index. We used multiple linear regression analysis to determine the factors related to caregiver burden. ResultsThe ZBI score for the family caregivers of glioma patients was 31.29 (SD = 13.54), and most caregivers (71.7%) reported moderate and severe caregiver burdens. Caregivers’ daily sleep time and anxiety symptoms and patients’ depressive symptoms independently predicted caregiver burden. ConclusionsFamily caregivers of glioma patients experienced a moderate burden. Personalised psychological intervention and sleep health guidance for patients and caregivers should be considered to reduce family caregiver burden and enhance the quality of life and mental health of both patients and their caregivers.

Abstract 10933: Informal Caregivers’ Burden and Its Predictors in Heart Failure: A Mixed Methods Study

Introduction: Caring for relatives with heart failure is emotionally and physically intensive for informal caregivers leading to caregiver burden. Evidence also suggests that caregiver burden affects the quality of life of both components of the patient-caregiver dyad. Previous research provides a limited understanding of the nature of caregiver burden and its influencing factors from a dyadic perspective. Hypothesis: To develop a comprehensive understanding of caregiver burden, and to identify its predictors with a dyadic perspective Methods: A convergent mixed-method approach was used. In total, 184 patients with heart failure and their informal caregivers completed validated scales to measure burden, care dependency, quality of life, and social support and 50 caregivers participated also to a semi-structured interviews to better understand the caregiver experience. Multiple regression analysis was conducted to identify the predictors and qualitative content analysis was performed on qualitative data. The results were merged using joint displays. Results: Caregiver burden was predicted by patient worse cognitive impairment, lower physical quality of life, and a higher care dependency perceived by the caregivers. Qualitative and mixed analysis demonstrated that caregiver burden has a physical, emotional, and social nature. In particular time constraints, anticipated concerns about personal future, and generalized fatigue and exhaustion were significant predictors of caregiver burden, thereby affecting their caregiving. Conclusions: Caregiver burden can affect the capability of informal caregivers to support and care for their relatives with heart failure. There is a dire need for development and evaluation of individual and community-based strategies to address caregiver burden so as to enhance the quality of life of both caregivers and their relatives with heart failure.

Caring for a Relative with Dementia: Determinants and Gender Differences of Caregiver Burden in the Rural Setting.

Dementia is a progressive disease that puts substantial strain on caregivers. Many persons with dementia (PwDs) receive care from a relative. Since male and female caregivers experience different issues related to stress, it is important to meet their different needs to prevent the early nursing home placement of PwDs. This study investigated the multifactorial aspects of caregiver burden and explored gender differences in caregiver burden in a rural setting. This was a cross sectional study that administered anonymous questionnaires to family caregivers of PwDs. Caregiver burden was assessed using the Burden Scale for Family Caregivers—short version. A path model was used to determine the multivariate associations between the variables. To reflect the multifaceted aspects of caregiver burden, we used Pearlin’s model with its four dimensions. A total of 113 family caregivers responded to our survey. The overall burden of caregivers was moderate. According to the path model, gender differences were predictors of caregiver burden. The behaviour of the person with dementia and cohabitation had direct effects on caregiver burden. Our results suggest that the experiences of men and women caring for a PwD are different and highlight the need for tailored support in dementia care.

Prevalence and Predictors of Caregiver Burden in a Memory Clinic Population.

Background:Although caregiver burden is common among carers of people with dementia, little is known about its prevalence and predictors among caregivers of patients attending memory clinics.Objective:To examine carer and patient-specific characteristics associated with caregiver burden across the cognitive spectrum in a memory clinic population.Methods:Consecutive patients referred to a university hospital geriatric memory clinic were included. Caregiver burden was scored using the Caregiver Burden Score (CBS), (modified Zarit), with scores≥15/30 suggesting burden. BPSD were measured with the dysfunctional behaviour rating instrument (DBRI). Cognition was screened using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and Quick Mild Cognitive Impairment (Qmci) screen.Results:In all, 351 patients were included, median age 77 (±11) years; 65.5% were female. The prevalence of caregiver burden was 33.6% overall, increasing from 10.8% in subjective cognitive decline (SCD), to 15% in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and 43% in dementia; CBS scores were significantly higher in dementia (p < 0.001). Caregivers with burden were significantly younger (p = 0.045) and were more likely to be adult children (p = 0.007). The CBS weakly correlated with the stage of cognitive impairment (r = 0.16) but had moderate correlation with MoCA (r = –0.54) and Qmci scores (r = –0.60). After adjustment for co-variates, DBRI scores alone independently predicted burden (odds ratio 1.23;1.11–1.35, p < 0.001).Conclusion:Caregiver burden is associated with the stage of cognitive impairment, with higher prevalence proportions in those with dementia compared with MCI and SCD. Only the severity of neuropsychiatric symptoms independently predicted caregiver burden in this population and its presence should prompt assessment for burden.

Asian-American Caregivers: Factors That Influence Caregiver Burden

Abstract Date Presented Accepted for AOTA INSPIRE 2021 but unable to be presented due to online event limitations. This study surveyed 101 Asian-American caregivers of elderly people on factors that influence perceived caregiver burden. Spirituality was found to be a statistically significant predictor of caregiver burden. Furthermore, mental health help-seeking attitudes were negatively correlated with caregiver burden. This research informs OTs of the value of incorporating spirituality and mental health education with family caregivers to provide holistic, culturally competent services. Primary Author and Speaker: Yan-hua Huang Additional Authors and Speakers: Ciara Nagao, Kelsey Michelle Santos, and Madison Werchowsky

Patient-Caregiver Treatment Preference Discordance and Its Association With Caregiving Burden and Esteem.

Background and ObjectivesMany patient–caregiver dyads report conflicting treatment decisions regarding preferences for life extension treatments and symptom management. It is possible that this discordance will lead to negative psychological outcomes including lowered caregiving esteem and increased caregiver burden. However, the relationships between treatment discordance among dyads and caregiver psychological outcomes are not well studied among advanced cancer patients—a gap this study aims to fill.Research Design and MethodsOutcome variables included caregiver burden and caregiving esteem, measured via a modified 4-domain Caregiver Reaction Assessment Scale. The main independent variable was patient–caregiver treatment preference discordance, examined using questions adapted from an existing protocol. Analyses were conducted using multivariable regressions.ResultsA convenience sample of 285 patient–caregiver dyads were recruited from outpatient clinics at 2 tertiary hospitals in Singapore. The majority (60%) of patient–caregiver dyads reported discordant treatment preferences. Discordance in this study arose because caregivers wanted a balance between life extension and symptom management while patients preferred life-extending treatment. In multivariable analyses, discordance predicted caregiver burden arising from impact on caregiver schedule and health (β = 0.16, p = .07) and lack of family support (β = 0.13, p = .04).Discussion and ImplicationsTheoretically, this study provided a more nuanced understanding of how dyad discordance may worsen the burdens felt by caregivers, and which aspects of their lives (i.e., burden due to impact of caregiver schedule and health and lack of family support) are most affected. Our findings can aid in establishing therapeutic interventions targeted toward improving communication skills and encouraging end-of-life discussions among patients, caregivers, and their health care providers. The importance of establishing and improving therapy programs specifically targeted toward caregivers was also underlined.

The mediating effect of social support and coping strategies on the relation between family stigma and caregiver burden among Israeli Arab family caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s disease (AD)

Objectives Many studies have attempted to identify the factors that are associated with caregiver burden among family caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s disease (AD), because of its plethora of negative consequences. One unique factor that has been investigated recently is family stigma. However, the path leading from family stigma to caregiver burden has not been thoroughly studied. Hence, this study had two main objectives. The first was to examine whether family stigma was a predictor of caregiver burden among Israeli Arab family caregivers of a person with AD. The second was to examine the interplay of family stigma and caregiver burden with coping strategies and social support. Methods Structured face-to-face interviews were conducted with 175 Israeli Arab family caregivers (adult children and spouses) of elderly people with AD (87.4% female; 71.4% adult children; mean age = 54.28). Results Overall, the participants reported moderate levels of caregiver burden and family stigma. Additionally, as expected, family stigma made a unique – although modest – contribution to the explanation of caregiver burden. Whereas neither problem-focused coping nor emotion-focused coping played a significant role in mediating the relation between family stigma and caregiving burden, social support did mediate the relation between these variables. Conclusions Our findings reveal how social support is important as a specific way to reduce the impact of family stigma on caregiver burden.

Predicting caregiver burden over the first 4 months after acute traumatic brain injury in Latin America: a multi-country study

ABSTRACT Background: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) rates and outcomes are worse in Latin American countries relative to high-income countries. This study examined whether cognitive dysfunction, depressive mood, and poor social and emotional self-regulation in individuals with an acute TBI in Latin America predict longitudinal trajectories of caregiver burden during the first 4 months post-discharge. Method: A sample of 109 caregivers of individuals with a new TBI from Colombia and Mexico completed the observer European Brain Injury Questionnaire before hospital discharge and the Zarit Burden Inventory at the same time and again at 2 and 4 months after discharge. A hierarchical linear model (HLM) was used to assess whether cognitive dysfunction, depressive mood, and poor social and emotional self-regulation at hospital discharge predicted longitudinal trajectories of caregiver burden. Results: Results suggested that burden trajectories decreased over time and men reported higher burden than women. Additionally, results showed that poor patient social and emotional self-regulation predicted higher burden trajectories. Conclusions: Men and caregivers providing care for those experiencing poor social and emotional self-regulation may be at risk for burden. Culturally sensitive interventions focusing on social functioning of individuals with TBI and gender-informed caregiver interventions aimed at burden should be implemented in Latin America.

Perceived stress and depressive symptoms not neuropsychiatric symptoms predict caregiver burden in Alzheimer\u2019s disease: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundCaregiver burden affects the caregiver’s health and is related to the quality of care received by patients. This study aimed to determine the extent to which caregivers feel burdened when caring for patients with Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) and to investigate the predictors for caregiving burden.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted. One hundred two caregivers of patients with AD at Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital, a tertiary care hospital, were recruited. Assessment tools included the perceived stress scale (stress), PHQ-9 (depressive symptoms), Zarit Burden Interview-12 (burden), Clinical Dementia Rating (disease severity), Neuropsychiatric Inventory Questionnaires (neuropsychiatric symptoms), and Barthel Activities Daily Living Index (dependency). The mediation analysis model was used to determine any associations.ResultsA higher level of severity of neuropsychiatric symptoms (r = 0.37, p < 0.01), higher level of perceived stress (r = 0.57, p < 0.01), and higher level of depressive symptoms (r = 0.54, p < 0.01) were related to a higher level of caregiver burden. The direct effect of neuropsychiatric symptoms on caregiver burden was fully mediated by perceived stress and depressive symptoms (r = 0.13, p = 0.177), rendering an increase of 46% of variance in caregiver burden by this parallel mediation model. The significant indirect effect of neuropsychiatric symptoms by these two mediators was (r = 0.21, p = 0.001).ConclusionCaregiver burden is associated with patients’ neuropsychiatric symptoms indirectly through the caregiver’s depressive symptoms and perception of stress. Early detection and provision of appropriate interventions and skills to manage stress and depression could be useful in reducing and preventing caregiver burden.

Spinal Cord Injury/Disorder Function, Affiliate Stigma, and Caregiver Burden in Turkey.

The association among spinal cord injury and disorder (SCI/D) function, caregiver affiliate stigma, and caregiver depression and burden has not been adequately studied. In Turkey, a region with a developing healthcare infrastructure, SCI/D caregivers may have a higher responsibility of care given limited resources and may experience greater psychological distress associated with caregiving than in more developed healthcare systems. To examine whether SCI/D function, caregiver affiliate stigma, and caregiver burden and depression in Turkey are associated with each other. Cross-sectional survey design. Participants were recruited from the Turkish Spinal Cord Injury Foundation and from the SCI/D service at Istanbul Physical Rehabilitation Hospital. A total of 82 SCI/D caregivers in Turkey. Not applicable. Barthel Index, Affiliate Stigma Scale, Zarit Burden Interview, and Patient Health Questionnaire-9. In an initial path model using bootstrapping, SCI/D function did not predict affiliate stigma, and once this path was trimmed, a final path model suggested that SCI/D function and affiliate stigma predicted caregiver burden, which in turn predicted caregiver depression. Burden partially mediated the effects of both SCI/D function and affiliate stigma on caregiver depression. All paths in the final model were statistically significant, and the fit indices suggested good fit. Because affiliate SCI/D function and stigma exerted a cascade of statistical effects across caregiver burden and depression, interventions should be developed and tested to help caregivers cope with low SCI/D function and combat affiliate stigma, preventing it from exerting harmful effects. Previously developed caregiver interventions should be translated and culturally adapted for a Turkish context, given that the burden and depression outcomes these interventions target are highly relevant for Turkish SCI/D caregivers.

Predictors of caregiver burden in aged caregivers of demented older patients

BackgroundDementia in the oldest-old is projected to increase exponentially as is the burden of their caregivers who may experience unique challenges and suffering. Thus, we aim to investigate which factors are associated with older caregivers’ burden in caring demented outpatients in a multicenter cohort.MethodsPatients and their caregivers, both aged ≧65 years, in the National Dementia Registry Study in Taiwan (T-NDRS) were included in this study. Caregiver burden was measured with the short version of the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI). The correlations between the ZBI scores and characteristics of caregivers and patients, including severity of dementia, physical comorbidities, instrumental activities of daily living (IADL), neuropsychiatric symptoms assessed by the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI), and family monthly income, were analyzed.ResultsWe recruited 328 aged informal caregiver-patient dyads. The mean age of caregivers was 73.7 ± 7.0 years, with female predominance (66.8%), and the mean age of patients was 78.8 ± 6.9 years, with male predominance (61.0%). Multivariable linear regression showed that IADLs (β = 0.83, p < 0.001) and NPI subscores of apathy (β = 3.83, p < 0.001)and irritability (β = 4.25, p < 0.001) were positively associated with ZBI scores. The highest family monthly income (β = − 10.92, p = 0.001) and caregiver age (β = − 0.41, p = 0.001) were negatively correlated with ZBI scores.ConclusionsOlder caregivers of older demented patients experience a higher care burden when patients had greater impaired functional autonomy and the presence of NPI symptoms of apathy and irritability. Our findings provide the direction to identify risky older caregivers, and we should pay more attention to and provide support for these exhausted caregivers.

Calidad de vida relacionada a la compasión, burnout y sobrecarga del cuidador en enfermeras/os bolivianos

Las/os enfermeras/os desarrollan una actividad laboral centrada en el cuidado de los otros. Esta labor es fuente de satisfacción, pero también ha implicado niveles importantes de fatiga y deterioro en su calidad de vida. El propósito del presente estudio fue establecer los predictores de calidad de vida relacionada a la compasión en enfermeras/os de hospitales públicos de La Paz y El Alto, Bolivia. Para ello se consideraron como predictores la sobrecarga del cuidador, el burnout y características sociolaborales. Participaron 500 enfermeras/os de cuatro hospitales, de los cuales 82,4 % fueron mujeres, con un rango de edad de entre 21 y 61 años. Se utilizó un diseño no-experimental de tipo descriptivo y correlacional, y de corte transversal. Se encontró que el factor de burnout de agotamiento emocional, la sobrecarga del cuidador y el hecho de tener hijos predicen negativamente la calidad de vida relacionada a la compasión. Además, se observó una correlación negativa del agotamiento emocional con la edad y los años de experiencia laboral. Se discute sobre la necesidad de otorgar mejores condiciones laborales que alivien el desgaste, faciliten la interacción trabajo-familia y promuevan una mejor calidad de vida en enfermeras/os.

Burden and Treatment Satisfaction among Caregivers of Adolescents with Borderline Personality Disorder.

Despite the fact that family involvement is encouraged in early interventions for borderline personality disorder (BPD), there is a limited knowledge on the experience of caring for adolescents with BPD. This is an exploratory retrospective study nested within a randomized controlled trial that compared mentalization-based treatment (MBT) in groups to treatment as usual for adolescents with BPD. Caregivers received six MBT-Parents sessions or standard care over one year. Three months after end of treatment (EOT), 75 caregivers (35 in MBT, 40 in TAU) filled out the Burden Assessment Scale, and 71 (34 in MBT, 37 in TAU) the Family Satisfaction Survey. The adolescents filled out the Borderline Personality Features Scale for Children at baseline and after twelve months at EOT. We tested whether caregiver demographics, adolescents' severity of BPD, treatment and adolescents' dropout from treatment predicted levels of caregiver burden and satisfaction with treatment. The caregivers reported high levels of burden on the BAS (M=40.3, SD=12.2). Our study suggests that higher BPD severity at EOT among the adolescents predicted caregiver burden (p=.03), whereas higher baseline BPD severity predicted satisfaction with treatment (p=.04) and that biological mothers could be more burdened than other types of caregivers but also might be more satisfied with treatment. Treatment and adolescents' dropout from treatment were not related to caregiver burden or satisfaction with treatment. To help inform future research and to devise appropriate interventions for caregivers and adolescents with BPD, it is important to identify possible predictors of caregiver burden. The results of this initial exploratory study indicate that caregivers (and particularly biological mothers) of adolescents with more severe levels of BPD could be particularly vulnerable toward feelings of burden and therefore are in need of support.

Psychosocial and productivity impact of caring for a child with peanut allergy

BackgroundLimited previous research has assessed the psychosocial burden and productivity impact of caring for a child with peanut allergy and factors associated with burden. The objective of this research was to explore caregiver burden in terms of psychosocial and productivity impact of caring for a child with peanut allergy, the influence of caregiver and child gender on caregiver burden, and factors predicting caregiver burden in peanut allergy.MethodsA cross-sectional survey of caregivers of children with peanut allergy was conducted in the United Kingdom, and included sociodemographic and clinical questions, EQ-5D, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Food Allergy Quality of Life-Parental Burden, Food Allergy Independent Measure, and productivity questions.ResultsOne hundred caregivers (55% female) of children with peanut allergy (aged 4–15 years) completed the survey. Male and female caregivers reported mean levels of anxiety significantly higher than United Kingdom population norms. Caregivers of children with severe peanut allergy reported significant impacts on their careers and health-related quality of life. Neither caregiver nor child gender impacted burden, indicating that male and female caregivers are equally anxious and suffer the same level of negative career, productivity, and health-related quality-of-life impact due to their child’s peanut allergy. Caregivers’ perceived risk of outcomes related to their child’s peanut allergy (e.g., death or severe reaction) as measured by the Food Allergy Independent Measure independently predicted burden.ConclusionsCaregivers of children with peanut allergy in the United Kingdom experience health-related quality-of-life, psychosocial, and productivity burden; this study demonstrates the high levels of anxiety reported by both male and female caregivers.

Parkinson's Disease Symptoms Have a Distinct Impact on Caregivers' and Patients' Stress: A Study Assessing the Consequences of the COVID-19 Lockdown.

Parkinson's Disease Symptoms Have a Distinct Impact on Caregivers' and Patients' Stress: A Study Assessing the Consequences of the COVID-19 Lockdown.

Burden and Preparedness amongst Informal Caregivers of Adults with Moderate to Severe Traumatic Brain Injury.

This study examined the patterns of informal (unpaid) caregiving provided to people after moderate to severe traumatic brain injury (TBI), explore the self-reported burden and preparedness for the caregiving role, and identify factors predictive of caregiver burden and preparedness. A cross-sectional cohort design was used. Informal caregivers completed the Demand and Difficulty subscales of the Caregiving Burden Scale; and the Mutuality, Preparedness, and Global Strain subscales of the Family Care Inventory. Chi-square tests and logistic regression were used to examine the relationships between caregiver and care recipient variables and preparedness for caregiving. Twenty-nine informal caregivers who reported data on themselves and people with a moderate to severe TBI were recruited (referred to as a dyad). Most caregivers were female (n = 21, 72%), lived with the care recipient (n = 20, 69%), and reported high levels of burden on both scales. While most caregivers (n = 21, 72%) felt “pretty well” or “very well” prepared for caregiving, they were least prepared to get help or information from the health system, and to deal with the stress of caregiving. No significant relationships or predictors for caregiver burden or preparedness were identified. While caregivers reported the provision of care as both highly difficult and demanding, further research is required to better understand the reasons for the variability in caregiver experience, and ultimately how to best prepare caregivers for this long-term role.

The relationship of religious coping strategies and family harmony with caregiver burden for family members of patients with stroke

ABSTRACT Aim Patients with stroke experience various challenges such as motor and cognitive and sensory problems, which can increase the caregiver burden of family members in long-term care. Understanding the factors related to caregiver burden is important to develop strategies to support informal caregivers. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the relationship of religious coping strategies and family harmony to caregiver burden for family members of patients with stroke. Method The sample of this descriptive, cross-sectional study consisted of 181 family caregivers who completed the Religious Coping Scale, Burden Interview Scale, and Family Harmony Scale – Short Form. Multiple linear regression and Pearson’s correlation were performed. Results Pearson’s correlation analysis indicated a significant positive relationship between caregiver burden and negative religious coping. A significant negative relationship was found of caregiver burden and family harmony with positive religious coping. Multiple regression analysis indicated that family harmony, amount of time spent on caregiving, and negative and positive religious coping were predictors of caregiver burden. Given the significant relationship of caregiver burden and family harmony to positive religious coping, future research should integrate religious coping strategies into multidisciplinary caregiver intervention programs to reduce caregiver burden.

Correlation between quality of life of cardiac patients and caregiver burden.

Caregivers experience high strain related to care giving. There is increasing interest in examining the caregiver burden of cardiac patients and studying the characteristics of caregivers. To explore the correlation between quality of life cardiac patients and caregiver's burden. A cross-sectional design using a convenience sample of caregivers and patients with cardiac conditions. Sociodemographic sheet, Dutch Objective Burden Inventory (DOBI), and Quality of Life (QLI-Cardiac 4). Linear regression was used to explore the predictors. 200 caregivers and 200 patients with cardiac diseases completed the study. The overall mean scores of both DOBI and QLI-4 indicated moderate results 1.51(SD 0.4), 19.8 (SD 4.7) respectively. Predictors of caregiver burden were young, less educated caregivers and high QoL of cardiac patients. Caregivers should receive more support and training from healthcare providers to develop their coping and resilience skills in a way that decreases their care burden and improves their quality of care and self-confidence.

Perceived burden of dementia care, clinical, psychological and demographic characteristics of patients and primary caregivers in Iran

Caregiving for dependent older adults with dementia has become an important public health issue. However, not much is known about the caregiver experience for caregivers of patients with dementia in Iran. This study was designed to examine the relationship between variables pertaining to primary caregivers and patients and the level of perceived caregiver burden. The participants of this cross-sectional study were 60 caregiver and care-recipient pairs presented to Rasoul-e Akram hospital and Brain and Cognition Clinic, in Tehran, Iran. A sociodemographic questionnaire, the Zarit Caregiver Burden Interview (ZBI), the General health questionnaire-28 (GHQ-28), the NEO Five-Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI), the Spiritual Well-Being Scale (SWBS), the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI), and the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) were used. Descriptive statistics, correlation coefficients, T-test, and multiple linear regression analyses were used in this study. Years of caregiving, hours of caregiving/week, total and subscale GHQ-28 scores, existential well-being subscale score on SWBS, and total NPI score were found to be significantly associated with the level of caregiving burden (p < 0.05). In addition, among the caregivers’ personality traits, neuroticism and agreeableness predicted caregiver burden. Other sociodemographic factors and MMSE scores were not found to be significantly related to caregiver burden. A better understanding of the indicators of caregiver burden can help physicians, policy makers, and mental health managers to tailor the most appropriate preventative and remedial interventions for family caregivers.

The effects of inflammatory bowel disease on caregivers: significant burden and loss of productivity

BackgroundCaregiver burden is the emotional, physical, practical, and/or financial burden associated with taking care of a patient with a chronic condition. Limited literature on caregiver burden in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD) has accounted for some predictors, but its effect on work productivity (absenteeism and presenteeism) is unknown.MethodsIn a prospective study, patients and their respective caregivers were surveyed from November 2015 until July 2017. Data on demographics, work productivity, quality of life, disease activity, caregiver burden and productivity were collected. The burden on caregivers was assessed and associations between caregiver productivity and caregiver burden were analyzed. Additionally, predictors for caregiver burden were identified.ResultsOne hundred two IBD patients and their respective caregiver were included. In total, 39% of IBD caregivers experienced burden. Caregivers with burden experienced significantly more absenteeism and presenteeism (65 and 85% respectively). Furthermore, 51% of caregivers felt that they should be doing more for their care recipient and felt they could do a better job at caregiving. Predictors of burden included race/ethnicity, history of fistulas, diagnosis of ulcerative colitis, higher caregiver education, and hours spent caregiving.ConclusionCaregivers with burden had significantly more productivity decrease compared to those without burden. Additionally, the majority of caregivers feel they should be providing more and better care for their recipients. The development of strategies to address caregiver’s distress and perceived burden when caring for IBD patients is warranted.