Health conditions and workload burden among informal caregivers of elderly individuals with dementia syndromes

Abstract

Abstract Objective To estimate the prevalence of caregiver burden and identify associated factors among informal caregivers of elderly individuals with dementia. Method Cross-sectional and analytical study with a sample of caregivers of elderly individuals receiving care at a reference center for elderly health. Caregiver burden was assessed using the Zarit scale. Sociodemographic characteristics and factors related to the health and care of the elderly person were investigated. Data analysis was performed using Poisson regression with robust variance, based on a hierarchical model, with a significance level of 5%. Results A total of 436 caregivers participated in the study, the majority of whom were female (88.1%). The prevalence of caregiver burden was 32.8%. In the multiple model, the following factors were associated with a higher prevalence of caregiver burden: age between 40 and 59 years (PR=1.20; 95% CI=1.02-1.39), being in a marital relationship (PR=1.18; 95% CI=1.02-1.36), being a child or spouse of the elderly person (PR=1.16; 95% CI=1.01-1.33), having a negative self-perception of health (PR=1.30; 95% CI=1.10-1.52), using medication (PR=1.24; 95% CI=1.06-1.45), not practicing self-care measures (PR=1.49; 95% CI=1.17-1.89), providing support to the elderly person in family integration activities (PR=1.41; 95% CI=1.05-1.89), cultural activities (PR=1.36; 95% CI=1.08-1.72), and medication administration (PR=1.13; 95% CI=1.01-1.25). Conclusion The high prevalence of caregiver burden among caregivers of elderly individuals highlights the need for specific policies for this group and represents an aspect to be regularly evaluated by healthcare professionals who work directly with people with dementia and their families.