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Μελέτη της σχετιζόμενης με την υγεία ποιότητας ζωής των άτυπων φροντιστών ασθενών με ΑΕΕ (Master thesis)

Γκαρελίδης, Γιώργος

INTRODUCTION: this paper examines how the quality of life of informal family caregivers of stroke patients is often affected negatively by the load of caregiving supplied. The findings also apply for caregivers of patients with dementia. PURPOSE:the purpose of this research was study HRQoL of stroke patients’ caregivers, its relationship with anxiety and depression of those who take care of others, as well as with the functional impairment of patients, there is also a comparison of HRQoL between the two groups of caregivers, in addition an investigation of the differentiation of HRQoL regarding their demographic and socioeconomic characteristics. MATERIAL AND METHOD: in this crossectional study 27 informal stroke caregivers took part and were used as the control group and 27 informal caregivers of dementia patients. All of the participants complete questionnaires with demographic and socioeconomic data. To asses HRQoL SF-36 generic questionnaire was used. Moreover HADS scale was used for the evaluation of anxiety and depression. Finally, for the patients’ functional independence the Barthel Index was used. RESULTS: the results showed that HRQoL of stroke patients caregivers is negatively influenced from their caregiving duty, as well as the dementia patients caregivers. Significant difference to the HRQoL, between the two caregivers’ groups was found in the scale of Physical role limitation. Caregivers of both groups show medium level symptoms of anxiety and depression. The patient’s functional inability doesn’t affect the HRQoL of their caregivers. Caregivers’ depression affect their physical function as part of their HRQoL. Moreover, anxiety affects caregivers’ HRQoL significantly. Caregivers who take care of stroke patients from six to twelve months have worse HRQoL in their social function and employment or in their other everyday activities too. Additionally, caregiving for many hours every day affects social life and causes bodily pain to caregivers. Existence of a formal caregiver allows informal caregivers to have better social functioning, to correspond better in their job and other activities and to feel less bodily pain. CONCLUSION: in conclusion, informal caregivers of stroke patients do not have good HRQoL, they aren’t ready for this role and they need material, social and emotional support in their work.