| Abstract [eng] |
Background: Providing care for patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is associated with substantial burden and additional adverse health effects for caregivers. Although this topic has been widely investigated globally and numerous studies have been conducted in foreign countries, there remains a lack of data on the situation in Lithuania. Aim: To evaluate the burden experienced by caregivers of patients with Alzheimer’s disease and its associated factors. Objectives: To assess the burden experienced by caregivers of patients with AD. To identify sociodemographic and patient-related factors that are associated with the burden experienced by caregivers of patients with AD. To assess the symptoms of anxiety and depression experienced by caregivers of patients with AD. To identify factors that are associated with the symptoms of anxiety and depression experienced by caregivers of patients with AD. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between March 2024 and September 2025 at the Centre of Neurology, Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Klinikos. Caregivers of patients with Alzheimer’s disease completed an anonymous questionnaire assessing sociodemographic characteristics, caregiver burden (Caregiver Burden Inventory, CBI), symptoms of anxiety and depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, HAD), and patient‘s characteristics. Data analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics 26. The Shapiro–Wilk, chi-square (χ²), Fisher’s exact, Mann–Whitney U, and Student’s t-tests were applied. Associations between variables were assessed using Spearman’s correlation coefficient, and linear regression models were developed to identify prognostic factors. Results: The study included 100 caregivers of patients diagnosed with AD. The mean total caregiver burden score was 35.07±21.54, with 48% of caregivers experiencing significant burden (CBI ≥ 36). In a linear regression model, the CBI score was significantly predicted by the caregiver’s contribution to the caregiving process, the duration of symptoms, and the patient’s Mini-Mental State Examination score. The mean HAD-A score among respondents was 7.80±4.60, with 47% of caregivers having significant anxiety symptoms (HAD-A ≥ 8). In a linear regression model, the HAD-A score was significantly predicted by the CBI score, lack of financial support, and caregiver sex. The mean score of HAD-D among caregivers was 4.92±3.68, with 23% having significant depressive symptoms (HAD-D ≥ 8). In a linear regression model, the HAD-D score was significantly predicted by the CBI score, lack of financial support, being a sole caregiver, and the caregiver–patient relationship. Conclusions: Caregivers of patients with Alzheimer's disease experience significant burden. Overall caregiver burden is significantly predicted by patient-related factors (Mini-Mental State Examination score, duration of symptoms) and caregiver-related factors (personal contribution of caregiver to patient care). Caregivers of patients with Alzheimer's disease experience significant symptoms of anxiety and depression. Caregivers' anxiety symptoms are predicted by overall caregiver burden, lack of financial support, and caregiver gender. Caregivers' depression symptoms are predicted by overall caregiver burden, lack of financial support, being a caregiver who is the sole caregiver, and the patient-caregiver relationship. |
