The stress of being a caregiver to a patient with multiple sclerosis can result in substantial physical and psychological health concerns, and have a negative impact on employment, according to a survey of 1,446 care partners from the North American Research Committee on Multiple Sclerosis (NARCOMS).
Researchers analyzed data from an online questionnaire, including demographic characteristics, health status, caregiver burden as measured by the Zarit Caregiver Burden Interview, and impact on employment. They found:
• The average Zarit score was 24.6, which is in the mild caregiver burden range.
• Female caregivers reported higher levels of burden and stress than their male counterparts, and were more likely to use medication for stress, anxiety, and mood disorders.
• Male caregivers had higher rates of physical complaints than females.
• Care partners of patients with primary progressive MS reported greater perceived burden than those with secondary progressive MS and relapsing-remitting MS.
• In the past year, more than 40% of care partners had missed work due to caregiving responsibilities.
Citation: McKenzie T, Quig ME, Tyry T, et al. Care partners and multiple sclerosis: differential impact on men and women. Int J MS Care. 2015. doi:10.7224/1537-2073.2014-083 [epub ahead of print].