Exploring factors contributing to caregiver burden in family caregivers of congolese adults with suspected dementia
Corresponding Author
Jean Ikanga
Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
Department of Psychiatry, University of Kinshasa and Catholic University of Congo, School of Medicine, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
Correspondence
Jean Ikanga, Department of Rehabilitation, Emory University School of Medicine, 1441 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
Email: [email protected]
Search for more papers by this authorAnny Reyes
Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
Search for more papers by this authorLiping Zhao
Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Emory University, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
Search for more papers by this authorTanisha G. Hill-Jarrett
Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
University of California, Global Brain Health Institute, San Francisco, California, USA
Search for more papers by this authorDustin Hammers
Department of Neurology, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
Search for more papers by this authorEmmanuel Epenge
Department of Neurology, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
Search for more papers by this authorHerve Esambo
Department of Neurology, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
Search for more papers by this authorImmaculée Kavugho
Memory Clinic of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
Search for more papers by this authorChristian Esselakoy
Department of Psychology, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Search for more papers by this authorGuy Gikelekele
Department of Psychiatry, University of Kinshasa and Catholic University of Congo, School of Medicine, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
Search for more papers by this authorNathan Tshengele
Department of Psychiatry, University of Kinshasa and Catholic University of Congo, School of Medicine, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
Search for more papers by this authorAlvaro Alonso
Department of Epidemiology, Emory University, School of Public Health, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
Search for more papers by this authorSheria G. Robinson-Lane
Department of Systems, Populations, and Leadership, University of Michigan, School of Nursing, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
Search for more papers by this authorCorresponding Author
Jean Ikanga
Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
Department of Psychiatry, University of Kinshasa and Catholic University of Congo, School of Medicine, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
Correspondence
Jean Ikanga, Department of Rehabilitation, Emory University School of Medicine, 1441 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
Email: [email protected]
Search for more papers by this authorAnny Reyes
Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
Search for more papers by this authorLiping Zhao
Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Emory University, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
Search for more papers by this authorTanisha G. Hill-Jarrett
Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
University of California, Global Brain Health Institute, San Francisco, California, USA
Search for more papers by this authorDustin Hammers
Department of Neurology, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
Search for more papers by this authorEmmanuel Epenge
Department of Neurology, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
Search for more papers by this authorHerve Esambo
Department of Neurology, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
Search for more papers by this authorImmaculée Kavugho
Memory Clinic of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
Search for more papers by this authorChristian Esselakoy
Department of Psychology, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Search for more papers by this authorGuy Gikelekele
Department of Psychiatry, University of Kinshasa and Catholic University of Congo, School of Medicine, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
Search for more papers by this authorNathan Tshengele
Department of Psychiatry, University of Kinshasa and Catholic University of Congo, School of Medicine, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
Search for more papers by this authorAlvaro Alonso
Department of Epidemiology, Emory University, School of Public Health, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
Search for more papers by this authorSheria G. Robinson-Lane
Department of Systems, Populations, and Leadership, University of Michigan, School of Nursing, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
Search for more papers by this authorAbstract
Introduction
Predicting caregiver burden in individuals with suspected dementia – is critical due to the debilitating nature of these disorders and need for caregiver support. While some examination of the factors affecting burden has been undertaken in Sub-Saharan Africa, each country presents with its own unique challenges and obstacles. This pilot study investigates predictors of caregiver burden in family caregivers of individuals with suspected dementia living in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
Methods
Linear and multiple regression analyses were conducted to explore factors associated with caregiver burden in 30 patient-caregiver dyads with the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI) for caregiver burden evaluation. Cognitive impairments of patients were assessed using the Community Screening Instrument for Dementia, Alzheimer's Questionnaire (AQ), the African Neuropsychology Battery, and the Neuropsychiatric Symptoms Inventory (NPI).
Results
Average caregiver burden on the ZBI was 36.1 (SD = 14.6; range = 12–58). Greater impairments in patient cognition (orientation, visuospatial, memory, executive functioning), fragility, and neuropsychiatric symptoms (delirium, agitation, depression) were predictive of caregiver burden. After controlling for AQ scores and caregiver gender, greater symptoms of depression, and worse performances on verbal memory and problem solving were associated with greater caregiver burden.
Conclusion
Worsening patient fragility, cognition, functioning, and neuropsychiatric symptoms influenced caregiver burden in caregivers of individuals with suspected cognitive impairment in the DRC. These findings are consistent with the prior literature. Future studies may wish to explore supportive factors and caregiver specific characteristics that buffer against perceived burden.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST STATEMENT
Authors have no conflicts.
Open Research
DATA AVAILABILITY STATEMENT
The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.
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