Caregiver burden according to ageing and type of care activity in caregivers of individuals with spinal cord injury

Spinal Cord Series and Cases, 2023 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41394-023-00570-w · Published: March 29, 2023

Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Social Support

Simple Explanation

This study examines the burden experienced by caregivers of individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI), focusing on how caregiver age and the specific care activities contribute to this burden. The research highlights that older caregivers, particularly those aged 70 or older, face a significantly greater burden. Factors such as lack of sleep and experiencing pain also exacerbate the caregiver burden. The study emphasizes the need for targeted caregiver education and the development of social policies that provide resources like assistive devices and care robots to alleviate the challenges faced by caregivers of individuals with SCI.

Study Duration

March 2020 and April 2021

Participants

87 individuals with spinal cord injuries and 87 caregivers

Evidence Level

Cross-sectional study

Key Findings

1
Caregiver burden was significantly higher among older caregivers, spouses/parents, those sleeping less than 8 hours, those with underlying diseases, and those experiencing pain.
2
Caregiver age, sleep duration, and pain were significant predictors of caregiver burden.
3
Toileting assistance was identified as the most challenging and time-consuming caregiving task, while patient transfer posed the greatest risk of physical injury to caregivers.

Research Summary

This study investigated the factors affecting caregiver burden among caregivers of individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI), with a focus on caregiver age and the type of care activities provided. The findings indicate that caregiver burden is significantly influenced by the caregiver's age, sleep duration, pain, and the specific tasks they perform, such as toileting assistance and patient transfer. The study underscores the need for targeted interventions, including caregiver education and social policies supporting the provision of assistive devices and care robots, to reduce caregiver burden and improve their quality of life.

Practical Implications

Targeted Education Programs

Develop education programs tailored to the age and needs of caregivers, focusing on safe patient handling techniques and strategies for managing specific caregiving tasks.

Social Policy Development

Implement social policies that provide access to assistive devices, care robots, and respite care services to alleviate the physical and emotional burden on caregivers.

Healthcare Support

Healthcare providers should address the caregiver's health needs, including pain management and sleep hygiene, as part of the overall care plan for individuals with SCI.

Study Limitations

1
Limited sample size from a single rehabilitation hospital in Seoul, restricting generalizability.
2
Potential exclusion of individuals with poor access to healthcare facilities.
3
Use of MBI instead of SCIM-III for assessing ADL.

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