Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Self-Perceived Change of Caregivers’ Burden in Providing Care for People With Dementia
Issued Date
2023-01-01
Resource Type
eISSN
23337214
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85161335611
Journal Title
Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine
Volume
9
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine Vol.9 (2023)
Suggested Citation
Wongmek A., Wongviriyawong T., Pitiyarn S., Siritipakorn P., Phannarus H., Muangpaisan W. Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Self-Perceived Change of Caregivers’ Burden in Providing Care for People With Dementia. Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine Vol.9 (2023). doi:10.1177/23337214231176698 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/20.500.14594/85144
Title
Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Self-Perceived Change of Caregivers’ Burden in Providing Care for People With Dementia
Author's Affiliation
Other Contributor(s)
Abstract
Objectives: To explore how the COVID-19 pandemic affects caregiver (CG) burden, the quality of care provided to people with dementia (PwD) and their perceived changes between before and during the pandemic. Methods: A cross-sectional study surveyed primary CGs about burden and self-perceived change in multidimensional domains and compared these before and during the pandemic. Results: About 135 primary CGs of PwD were enrolled at Siriraj Hospital’s Geriatric Clinic in Thailand and assessed using various online platforms. About 13.8% of CGs had a “mild to moderate” burden. The NPI-Q score and level of functional capacity of the PwD declined during the COVID-19 pandemic (p-value.001 and.001, respectively). The CG-associated factors that related to a higher CG burden were younger age (mean age of 54.2 years old), female (76.3%), and high educational level (80.7%). Conflict between CG and PwD was associated with an increase in CG burden (p-value.004; 95% CI [1.19, 6.12]). Regarding the COVID-19-related factors, there was no association between CG burden and the PwD’s characteristics or COVID-19-related concerns. Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic was associated with a higher CG burden. Identifying the related factors in an unusual situation may help reduce the CG burden and improve the care of PwD.