Caregiver burden among dementia caregivers in low-and middle-income countries in Asia: a systematic review

Abstract

Objectives: Long-term caregiving can lead to a high caregiver burden for caregivers of community-dwelling people with dementia in Asia’s low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). It is essential to assess the level of caregiver burden and its factors in such settings to understand the impact on caregivers’ well-being. Method: A systematic review was conducted based on the PRISMA. Articles were identified from seven databases published from 2000 to November 2023. Each article’s methodological quality was assessed with an appraisal checklist developed by the Joanna Briggs Institute. Results: 64 studies with 12 measurement tools were identified from 9 countries. Only 20% of studies using 22-item ZBI show caregivers experienced no or little burden while caring for their care recipients. The mean 22-item ZBI score ranged from 24.5 in Turkey to 34.7 in India, while the mean CBI score varied from 24.0 in Thailand to 47.8 in China. Patient, caregiver characteristics, and caregiving context are associated with caregiver burden. Conclusion: Dementia caregivers in Asian LMICs exhibit a wide variation in caregiver burden. Programs that promote protective factors and address modifiable factors are imperative to mitigate burdens and enhance caregivers’ quality of life in these settings.