Caregivers of older adults in palliative care: level of burden and depressive symptoms

• Published in: Fisioterapia em movimento 2022, Vol.35
• Main Authors: Teixeira, Luciana Aparecida, Borges, Marisa de Carvalho, Abreu, Daniela Pacifico Homem de, Ribeiro, Karen Bento, Shimano, Suraya Gomes Novais, Martins, Lislei Jorge Patrizzi
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: ORTHOPEDICS; REHABILITATION
• ISSN: 1980-5918; 1980-5918
• DOI: 10.1590/fm.2022.35132

Abstract Introduction The burden perceived by informal caregivers of older adult cancer patients in palliative care is an incessant daily repetitiveness, and can negatively affect their physical and mental health, as well as their social and family life. Objective To assess the level of burden and the intensity of depressive symptoms in caregivers, and the dependence of the older adults for basic and instrumental activities of daily living. Methods This was a cross-sectional and descriptive study, composed of 20 caregivers and 20 older adults with cancer in palliative care. Caregivers and older adults were administered the socio-economic and demographic profile assessment. For the caregivers, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire - IPAQ, the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI), and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) were used. For the older adults, the Katz Index of Independence in Activities of Daily Living (Katz Index ADL) and the Lawton and Brody Instrumental Activities of Daily Living scales (Lawton and Brody IADL scales) were used. Data were represented in absolute and percentage values. Results Caregivers were predominantly female, mostly daughters of the older adults, married or with a partner, with elementary school education, income of 1 to 3 times the minimum wage, and had a sedentary lifestyle. A moderate level of burden was verified in 75% of the caregivers, and mild to moderate depressive symptoms in 45%. The assessment of ADL in older adults found that 55% were independent in all six functions, with greater dependence (75%) in ADL for housekeeping such as laundry (85%) and driving vehicles (90%). Conclusion Caregivers of older adults cancer patients in palliative care show moderate level of burden, and mild to moderate depressive symptoms. Resumo Introdução A sobrecarga vivenciada por cuidadores informais de idosos com câncer em cuidados paliativos em uma repetitividade diária incessante pode afetar negativamente a saúde física e mental, bem como a vida social e familiar do cuidador. Objetivo Avaliar o nível de sobrecarga e a intensidade de sintomas depressivos nos cuidadores e a dependência para as atividades básicas e instrumentais de vida diária dos idosos. Métodos Estudo transversal e descritivo, composto por 20 cuidadores e 20 idosos com câncer em cuidados paliativos. Os cuidadores e os idosos foram submetidos à avaliação do perfil socioeconômico e demográfico. Quanto à avaliação dos cuidadores, utilizaram-se o Questionário Interna