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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2024 Dec;28(12):1753-1759.
doi: 10.1080/13607863.2024.2370441. Epub 2024 Jun 25.

Mediating role of care partner burden among dementia care partners during post-hospital transition

Ashley Kuzmik  1 , Irene Best  1 , Azza Mubarak Al Harrasi  1 , Marie Boltz  1
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

Mediating role of care partner burden among dementia care partners during post-hospital transition

Ashley Kuzmik et al. Aging Ment Health. 2024 Dec.

Abstract

Objectives: This study examined the mediating role of care partner burden on the relationship between patient clinical factors (i.e. cognition, physical function, and behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia [BPSD]) and care partner mental health (i.e. anxiety and depression) among dementia care partners at hospital discharge.

Method: The sample consisted of 431 patient and care partner dyads enrolled in the Family centered Function-focused Care (Fam-FFC) study; ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT03046121. Mediation analyses were conducted to test the role of care partner burden on the associations between patient clinical factors, and care partner anxiety and depression.

Results: Mediation models demonstrated that care partner burden partially mediated the relationship between patient physical function and care partner anxiety and depression, as well as patient BPSD and care partner anxiety and depression.

Conclusion: Findings highlight the need for clinicians and service providers to implement comprehensive strategies that address both patient clinical factors (i.e. physical function and BPSD) and care partner burden, to optimize care partner mental health outcomes during post-hospital transition.

Keywords: Dementia; burden; care partner; hospital discharge; mental Health.

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Conflict of interest statement

Disclosure Statement: The authors report there are no competing interests to declare.

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