Caregivers of older adults in palliative care: level of burden and depressive symptoms

Abstract

Introduction: The burden perceived by informal caregivers of older adult cancer patients in palliative care is an incessant daily repetitiveness, and can negatively affect their physical and mental health, as well as their social and family life. Objective: To assess the level of burden and the intensity of depressive symptoms in caregivers, and the dependence of the older adults for basic and instrumental activities of daily living. Methods: This was a cross-sectional and descriptive study, composed of 20 caregivers and 20 older adults with cancer in palliative care. Caregivers and older adults were administered the socio-economic and demographic profile assessment. For the caregivers, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire - IPAQ, the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI), and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) were used. For the older adults, the Katz Index of Independence in Activities of Daily Living (Katz Index ADL) and the Lawton and Brody Instrumental Activities of Daily Living scales (Lawton and Brody IADL scales) were used. Data were represented in absolute and percentage values. Results: Caregivers were predominantly female, mostly daughters of the older adults, married or with a partner, with elementary school education, income of 1 to 3 times the minimum wage, and had a sedentary lifestyle. A moderate level of burden was verified in 75% of the caregivers, and mild to moderate depressive symptoms in 45%. The assessment of ADL in older adults found that 55% were independent in all six functions, with greater dependence (75%) in ADL for housekeeping such as laundry (85%) and driving vehicles (90%). Conclusion: Caregivers of older adults cancer patients in palliative care show moderate level of burden, and mild to moderate depressive symptoms.