Family needs and psychosocial functioning of caregivers of individuals with spinal cord injury from Colombia, South America

Abstract

Objective: 1) To determine the most frequent needs in a group of family caregivers of individuals with spinal cord injury in Neiva Colombia; 2) to describe caregivers' psychosocial functioning; and 3) to examine the relationship between caregiver needs and caregiver psychosocial functioning. Design: Cross-sectional. Participants/Methods: 37 caregivers completed a caregiver needs questionnaire composed of 27 questions (1-5 scale) and 9 subscales (emotional, information, economic, community, and household support, respite, physical health, sleep, and psychological health). The Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) was used to measure caregiver depression, the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI) measured stress, the Interpersonal Support Evaluation List Short Version (ISEL-12) measured social support, and the Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS) was used to assess satisfaction with life. Results: Information, economic, emotional, community support, and respite needs were most frequently reported among this group of Colombian caregivers. Forty-three percent of the family caregivers reported some level of depression, 68% reported being overwhelmed by their caretaking responsibilities, and 43% reported dissatisfaction with their lives. Information, emotional, economic, physical, sleep, and psychological needs were positively correlated with depression and burden. Those with more household, physical, sleep, economic, and psychological needs had less satisfaction with life and social support. Caregivers with more community and respite needs had less social support, while those with more emotional needs had less satisfaction with life. Caregivers with more respite needs had more burden and those with more household needs had more depression.Conclusion: Approximately half of the sample reports some level of burden, depression, or being dissatisfied with life. Psychosocial functioning was related to various family needs. Further longitudinal research is needed to determine whether caregivers with more needs report worse psychosocial functioning or if those with worse psychosocial functioning report more needs.

The Multi-Dimensional Burden of Cirrhosis and Hepatic Encephalopathy on Patients and Caregivers

“…Also consistent with Alzheimer's disease (7,29) the burden was most intense if the caregiver was the spouse (30–32). Similar to previous studies in dementia and spinal cord injury, our study found a relatively scant social support in caregivers, which was in turn correlated with depression in these individuals (33,34). Both burden questionnaires, in turn were related to depression and social support, which replicate findings in other chronic diseases (26–28).…”

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

“…A common theme in many of the studies was the need to include family members in the rehabilitation process post-SCI from the outset. 2,5,[16][17][18][19][24][25][26] Also, that there may be some potential for tele-health 16,17 and community based support 2 to help assist caregivers on an ongoing basis.…”

“…1 In certain instances, SCI may render a person dependent on caregivers, with family members often forced to take on the role for a variety of social and economic reasons. 2,3 Costs associated with SCI are higher than those of comparable conditions such as dementia, multiple sclerosis and cerebral palsy, 1 with annual healthcare and living expenses incurred approximating US$185 000 in some cases. 4 This financial burden in addition to any income forgone by the patient can have a significant effect on the entire family unit.…”

Role of Social Support in Predicting Caregiver Burden

“…Levels of burden have implications for the health and well-being of the caregiver as well as the individual with the SCI (care-recipient). 2–4 For instance, burden is associated with poor life satisfaction, morbidity, and mortality. 5–9 A close examination of the factors influencing burden is therefore necessary to identify caregivers at risk for poor outcomes and potential targets for interventions designed to preserve the health of the caregiving relationship.…”