Physical disability contributes to caregiver stress in dementia caregivers

Abstract

Backgound: There have been few studies on the impact of physical illness on caregiver health. We wished to determine whether physical disability, as determined by the SF-12 survey contributes to caregiver stress. Methods: We interviewed 91 primary caregivers of dementia sufferers, aged 38-85 years old. Caregivers completed the SF-12 version of the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form Health Survey and reported on caregiver stress and concurrent medical conditions. Results: Most caregivers reported stress (76.9%), having medical conditions (72.4%) or taking medications (67.0%). The SF-12 data demonstrated that mental health problems were common and that 40.7% of the sample had some degree of physical disability. Using multiple logistic regression analysis, both SF-12 mental and physical component scores were independently associated with caregiver stress. Conclusion: Chronic disability and mental health problems were independently associated with caregiver stress. These data suggest that reducing the impact of physical disability could help ameliorate caregiver stress