Factors affecting the caregiver burden following traumatic brain injury

Aims: This study aimed to investigate the factors that had an effect on the burden of the caregivers of moderate to severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients. Methods: Between December 2018 and June 2019, patients with moderate to severe TBI and their caregivers were included in the study. Caregivers were assessed with the Zarit Burden Interview and short form-36 health survey scale, and patients were assessed with the Disability Rating Scale and Functional Independence Measure. Results: The study included 58 patients [age, median (min-max): 45 (21.0-60.0), female 72.4%]. A negative correlation was found between the caregiver's age, unemployment status and comorbidities with the caregiver burden (p=0.007, p=0.073, p=0.168 respectively). A positive correlation was found between the caregivers who were the members of the family and the caregiver burden (p=0.001). In univariate and multivariate regression analysis, the caregiver's age was found to be independent predictors of the increased burden of care (p=0.007, p=0.016), and being a member of the family was found to be independent predictors of the decreased burden of care (p=0.001, p=0.048). Conclusions: This study demonstrates the effects of the caregiver's age and relationship with the patient on caregiver burden. Keywords: Caregiver, caregiver burden, traumatic brain injury