The effect of the burden of caregiving for people with spinal cord injury (SCI): a cross-sectional study.

AIM

To assess the caregiver burden (CB) of caregivers for people with Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) and to examine the psychological impact of the burden of caregiving.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Cross-sectional study. A set of structured questionnaires was administered to 55 family caregivers of individuals with SCI. The Modified Barthel Index was used to evaluate the independence of care recipients. The Caregiver Burden Inventory was modified and used to assess the CB. The Family Strain Questionnaire - Short Form was administered to measure the psychological impact of CB. The Short Form 36 was used to assess the health status of the participants.

RESULTS

CB affects mainly the domains related to time management, the physical condition of caregivers and their sense of personal failure. An increased level of CB and the dependency level of SCI survivors is significantly correlated (p < 0.01) with an increase in the need of psychological support and a decrease in perceived health and quality of life.

CONCLUSIONS

Caregiving for people with SCI implies the occurrence of CB. The contribution of caregivers should be recognised and supported with tailored relief interventions.