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

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.