Predictors of burden and depression among caregivers of relapsing-remitting MS patients in Spain: MS Feeling study

Abstract

Aim: To assess potential predictors for burden and depression among caregivers of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis patients in Spain. Family functioning and social support were also assessed.

Patients & methods: Multicenter and cross-sectional study in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis adult patients and their respective informal caregivers (n = 180). Assessment performed: Zarit Scale (Burden), Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression-7 Scale (depression), Family APGAR (Adaptation, Partnership, Growth, Affection, Resolve) Questionnaire (family functioning) and Duke UNC-11 Functional Social Support Questionnaire (social support). Multivariate logistic regression analysis assessed burden and depression predictors among caregivers.

Results: Caregivers suffered burden (19.4%) and depression (20.6%) and perceived poor social support (9.4%) and family dysfunction (10.6%). Burden predictors were patient's degree of disability, caregiver time and number of medications administered to patient. Depression predictors were patient's age and daily caregiving time.

Conclusion: The factors reported here could help clinicians to identify caregiver groups particularly at risk of burden and depression for timely intervention.

Keywords: burden; caregivers; depression; family functioning; multiple sclerosis; social support.