Assessment of the Psychological Burden Among Family Caregivers of People Living With Dementia, Parkinson's, and Alzheimer's Disease Using the Zarit Burden Interview From Bangladesh

TL;DR

This study examines the psychological burden on family caregivers of dementia, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's patients in Bangladesh, finding that most experience moderate to severe stress.

Contribution

The study provides insights into caregiver burden in a developing country context for neurodegenerative diseases.

Findings

Most caregivers experienced moderate to severe burden as measured by the Zarit Burden Interview.

Female caregivers reported higher levels of burden compared to male caregivers.

Caregiver burden was significantly associated with age and the patient-caregiver relationship.

Abstract

This study aimed to explore the burden experienced by family caregivers of individuals with dementia, Alzheimer's disease (AD), and Parkinson's disease (PD) in Bangladesh. It sought to identify the key contributing factors and determine the primary predictors influencing caregiver burden in this context.

Seventy‐five caregivers were selected on the basis of specific criteria. The Zarit burden interview was used to assess the caregiver burden among patients with dementia, AD and PD.

A total of 75 participants were assessed, with 50 (66.67%) being female. Most caregivers (40.0%) were spouses. Overall, caregivers experienced a moderate level of burden, with female caregivers reporting a higher burden compared to their male counterparts. Caregiver burden was significantly associated with age and the patient‐caregiver relationship.

Greater research focus is needed on caregivers of patients with neurodegenerative diseases in developing countries.

As indicated by Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI) scores, the majority of caregivers experienced moderate to severe burden, according to the study. This study highlights the burden experienced by caregivers of dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease patients in Bangladesh and recommends community interventions to address this issue and inform targeted interventions to reduce caregiver burden.

Figures