1.Burden of care of Filipino children with epilepsy and its impact on quality of life, anxiety and depressive symptoms among caregivers
Julie Ann Kristy L TORRES ; Rowena ARCA-CABRADILLA ; Michelle G SY ; Ma. Lourdes P CORRALES-JOSON ; Maria Antonia MORAL-VALENCIA ; Rosalina Q DE SAGUN
Journal of Medicine University of Santo Tomas 2019;3(2):326-335
Background :
Caregiver burden and its impact on
the quality of life is as important as determining the
quality of life of children with epilepsy as these factors inl uence each other as well as the outcome of
these children.
Objectives :
The primary objective of the study was
to determine the association between caregiver burden and quality of life as well as anxiety and depressive symptoms among caregivers of Filipino children
with epilepsy. Also, the study aimed to determine
the prevalence rate of caregiver burden, impaired
quality of life, anxiety, and depressive symptoms in
an ambulatory care setting.
Methodology :
In this cross-sectional survey, adult
caregivers accompanying their pediatric patients with epilepsy at a single tertiary center were recruited. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected. The participants completed questionnaires
for caregiver burden, quality of life, anxiety, and
depressive symptoms.
Results :
Fifty-three caregivers participated with a
mean age of 38 years. Most of them were females,
married, unemployed, and at least college level.
The mean age of their patients was 9.4 years and
71.7% of patients were on a single anti-epileptic
drug. Lower educational level was less likely associated with caregiver burden. Although impaired
quality of life and depressive symptoms were more
likely associated with caregiver burden, this association did not reach statistical signii cance.
Conclusion
The prevalence rate of caregiver burden, impaired quality of life, anxiety, and depressive symptoms were 24.5%, 22.6%, 28.3%, and
9.4% respectively, among caregivers of Filipino
children with epilepsy at a single tertiary center. Lower educational level was the only characteristic
signii cantly associated with lesser odds of having
caregiver burden
Caregiver Burden
;
Quality of Life
;
Anxiety
;
Depression