Perceptions of workload in caregivers involved in the care of patients with Parkinson’s disease: an exploratory-correlational study

Abstract

Background. Parkinson’s disease (PD) is one of the most debilitating conditions known today that can affect anyone. It is considered one of the great emergencies of the ever-increasing future. Understanding the needs of patients and the difficulties of caregivers can make a differ-ence and improve the quality of life for both the patient and caregiver. Aim. To measure family overload and identify possible areas of intervention among a population of Italian caregivers. Methods. All caregivers who daily interact with the relative with PD and signed the informed consent were included. Nevertheless, I would add a short explanation on the source of recruitment. The study was conducted by administering 137 questionnaires to caregivers of Par-kinson’s patients from February to June 2021. Each caregiver was pre-sented with the research project with their prior consent, and only after they had given their consent was it possible to complete the online questionnaire, which was published on the various sites of caregivers and associations for people with Parkinson’s disease. The data collection instrument, consisting of a socio-demographic section and the Caregiver Overload Scale, was administered to each par-ticipant. Results. A total of 137 caregivers participated in the study, showing a greater perceived burden in those “engaged” civilly (p = .002) and who care for patients with advanced PD (p = .023). They also reported that their lives were significantly changed both socially (p = .014) and occu-pationally (p < .001). Conclusions. The study found that the caregivers interviewed were moderately overloaded according to the Caregiver Overload Scale, so it is clear that recognizing the importance of this role and providing the necessary support to caregivers simplifies the diagnostic-therapeutic process, favors and preserves the person’s autonomy.