The effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the caregiving burden of individuals caring for patients with chronic neurological diseases

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Caring for neurological patients poses a serious burden on caregivers, even in normal times. It is likely that this burden has become even more painful post-COVID-19 pandemic. OBJECTIVE: This study evaluates the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the care burden of those who care for patients with chronic neurological diseases. METHODS: The study included 50 patients and 50 caregivers. All the tests were conducted twice, it was answered firstly, according to the pre-COVID-19 pandemic, and secondly, during the COVID-19 pandemic period. The depression levels of the patients and caregivers were assessed with the Beck Depression Scale, their sleep quality with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, their quality of life was assessed with the RAND 36-Item Health Survey, and caregivers’ burden of care was evaluated with the Zarit Caregiver Burden Scale. RESULTS: It was observed at the end of the study that the depression levels of patients (p = 0.00), and caregivers (p = 0.00) increased post-COVID-19 pandemic, the sleep quality of caregivers (p = 0.00), and patients (p = 0.02) decreased post-COVID-19 pandemic. On the other hand, it was determined that caregivers’ burden of care increased (p = 0.00). Sub-parameters of the RAND 36-Item Health Survey, physical functioning (p = 0.02), role limitations due to physical health (p = 0.00), and role limitations due to emotional problems (p = 0.03) decreased for caregivers. CONCLUSION: In summary, we concluded that the well-being and psychological status of both patients and their caregivers were adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.