Factors related to caregiving for individuals with spinal cord injury compared to caregiving for individuals with other neurologic conditions

Abstract

Context/objective: To compare outcomes among caregivers of adults with spinal cord injuries (SCIs) to caregivers of adults with other neurological conditions, and determine if caregiving for SCI is associated with poor health status and chronic conditions. Design: Secondary data analysis of 2009/2010 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System survey. Participants: Informal caregivers of adults with neurological conditions. Outcome measures: Sociodemographics, caregiving factors (e.g. role, emotional support, life satisfaction), lifestyle behaviors, chronic conditions, and health status. Results: Demographics and lifestyle behaviors did not differ in caregivers of adults with SCI vs. caregivers of adults with other neurological conditions (except younger age of SCI caregivers). Greater proportions of caregivers of adults with SCI had coronary heart disease (CHD) (12% vs. 6%, P = 0.06) and were obese (43% vs. 28%, P = 0.03). Frequent physical distress was reported by 20% of caregivers of persons with SCI (vs. 12% of other caregivers, P = 0.09), but mental health did not differ between caregiver groups. A greater proportion of caregivers of adults with SCI experienced insufficient sleep (47% vs. 30%, P = 0.008) and more days without enough sleep (13 vs. 9 days, P = 0.008). Odds of being younger, caregiver of a spouse, having CHD, and being obese were associated with being a caregiver of an adult with SCI. Conclusion: Caregivers of adults with SCI report similar mental health status, but more poor sleep, and have increased odds of CHD and obesity. Interventions to address physical distress, improve sleep, and address CHD and obesity are needed in this cohort.

Efficacy of Internet-Delivered Mindfulness for Improving Depression in Caregivers of People With Spinal Cord Injuries and Chronic Neuropathic Pain: A Randomized Controlled Feasibility Trial

“…In SCI, the average age of caregivers is 53 years old 35 , whilst the average age of caregivers in the present study was lower (44 years). Younger caregivers display poorer strategies for dealing with mental health issues 36 , reporting higher rates of depression 37 .…”

The impact of spinal cord injury on the quality of life of primary family caregivers: a literature review

“…The negative impact of caregiving on the QOL of the family members involved in caring for loved ones with long-term pathology has been documented for a variety of conditions including stroke, 34 cancer, 35 multiple sclerosis 10 and other chronic illnesses 36 and consequently it is unsurprising that similar issues are identified in SCI. There is a notable reduction in mental health with depression, 29,30 anxiety, 24,28 sleep disturbances 37 and isolation 2 identified as common themes reported for family caregivers of people with SCI. In addition, SCI caregivers also frequently report pain 3,5 and poor physical health.…”

“…Outcomes measured preassessmentand at end ofintervention period (2 weeks) HADS, WHOQOL-BREF, GHQ-12 Pre-intervention, both groups had significant depression and anxiety with no significant difference in their levels of depression, anxiety and quality of life before intervention Post-intervention results showed significant improvement in all domains of QOL in the experimental group as compared to the control group, with significant reduction in anxiety and depression also noted in the intervention group Impact of SCI on QOL of family caregivers-review J Lynch and R Cahalan Impact of SCI on QOL of family caregivers-review J Lynch and R Cahalan management) for a loved one is also highlighted as being difficult for both parties. 23 In SCI, the average age of caregivers is younger than that of caregivers with other conditions 37 despite the wide age ranges reported in most studies regarding caregiving. Average age for SCI caregivers is 53 years old 37 with average age of 60 years old for cancer caregivers, 38 61.4 years for stroke, 39 55.7 years for Parkinson's disease 40 and 57.1-63.5 years for dementia caregivers.…”

“…In addition, it has been reported that there is an increased risk of hypertension, obesity and cardiovascular disease in SCI caregivers compared to other neurological conditions. 37,41 One study 5 stated that lower pain levels in SCI survivors resulted in increased burden, anxiety and depression for caregivers. The authors qualified this seemingly counter-intuitive outcome by stating that those survivors with SCI who had low levels of pain were more likely to be outgoing, active and therefore demanding of their caregivers.…”

Caregivers navigating rehabilitative care for people with aphasia after stroke: a multi‐lens perspective

“…The literature reports similar ramifications for caregivers of people with other acquired disabilities such as spinal cord injury and brain injury, who have also been found to be at greater risk for depression, anxiety and decreased life satisfaction (LaVela et al . , Marwitt and Kaye ). Caregivers of adults with acquired disabilities do not typically anticipate having to provide long‐term care for their loved one with aphasia.…”