Objective: To increase our knowledge of the patient variables related to the overburden of the caregivers of patients with acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPDs).
Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study of patients with severe COPD who have informal caregivers. We performed a multivariate analysis of sociodemographic (economic situation, care, dependence, social risk, and use of social services) and clinical (degree of dyspnea, previous hospitalizations, disease impact, pulmonary function, and comorbidity) factors and related these to the burden of informal caregivers, as evaluated using the Zarit scale.
Results: The study included 91 patients, age 72.6±8.7 years and 80 were male (89.7%); the mean modified Medical Research Council dyspnea scale (mMRC) score was 2.5±0.8; mean FEV was 39.5 ± 13.2%; and 70 patients (76.9%) were dependent for basic activities. Of the informal caregivers, 90 (90.9%) were women, 49 (49.4%) were partners or spouses, and 29 (29.6%) were daughters. The mean Zarit questionnaire score was 51.4±14.2, with 63 of carers (69.2%) perceiving some overburden, and 34 (37.4%) describing the overburden as mild-moderate. The variables related to informal caregiver overburden in the multivariate study were the previous use of social resources [OR = 8.1 (95% CI = 1.03-69.9); = 0.04], degree of mMRC dyspnea 3-4 [OR =4.7 (95% CI = 1.7-13.2); = 0.003], and two or more admissions for AEPOC in the previous year [OR = 4.5 (95% CI = 1.7-13.2); = 0.003]. Of the informal caregivers of patients who had presented two or more of these variables, 92.3% perceived an overburden.
Conclusion: The variables associated with overburden are easily accessible in patient medical records, or can be obtained by interviewing patients or their relatives. This information would allow to detect and assess the overburden of informal caregivers to provide an early warning of this problem.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.2147/COPD.S301637 | DOI Listing |
Background: Primary care physicians (PCPs) and nurse practitioners play a key role in guiding caregivers on early peanut protein (PP) introduction, yet many lack adequate knowledge.
Aim Statement: This quality improvement study aimed to enhance understanding among PCPs and caregivers about evidence-based guidelines for early PP introduction in infants' diets.
Methods: Using the Stetler Model, PCP knowledge was evaluated through pre-test, educational video and some posttest material.
BMC Geriatr
January 2025
Department of Rehabilitation Medicine (Rehabilitation Center), Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, No. 107, Wenhuaxi Road, Jinan , Shandong, 250012, China.
Background: Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a high-risk factor for dementia and dysphagia; therefore, early intervention is vital. The effectiveness of intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) targeting the right dorsal lateral prefrontal cortex (rDLPFC) remains unclear.
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BMJ Open
January 2025
Queensland Cerebral Palsy and Rehabilitation Research Centre, The University of Queensland, South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
Introduction: Reaching social milestones is an important goal of childhood. Children with acquired brain injury (ABI) and cerebral palsy (CP) frequently experience challenges with social functioning and participation. The Programme for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills (PEERS) is a group-based social skills programme for adolescents.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBMJ Open
January 2025
School of Psychology, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK.
Introduction: Mental health problems are the most significant cause of disability and have high annual economic costs; hence, they are a priority for the government, service providers and policymakers. Consisting of largely coastal and rural communities, the populations of Norfolk and Suffolk, UK, have elevated burdens of mental health problems, areas with high levels of deprivation and an increasing migrant population. However, these communities are underserved by research and areas with the greatest mental health needs are not represented or engaged in research.
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