Wongmek A.Wongviriyawong T.Pitiyarn S.Siritipakorn P.Phannarus H.Muangpaisan W.Mahidol University2023-06-182023-06-182023-01-01Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine Vol.9 (2023)https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/20.500.14594/85144Objectives: 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.MedicineArticleSCOPUS10.1177/233372142311766982-s2.0-8516133561123337214