The effect of coping on the burden in family carers of persons with dementia |
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Authors: | Frøydis Kristine Bruvik Ingun Dina Ulstein Anette Hylen Ranhoff Knut Engedal |
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Affiliation: | 1. Norwegian Centre for Dementia Research, Oslo, Norway;2. Kavli Research Center for Ageing and Dementia, Bergen, Norway;3. University of Oslo, Department of Geriatric Medicine, Ullevaal University Hospital, Oslo, Norway;4. Norwegian Centre for Dementia Research, Department of Old Age Psychiatry, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway;5. Kavli Research Center for Ageing and Dementia, Bergen, Norway;6. Institute of Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway |
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Abstract: | Objectives: This study explores the association between coping, measured by the extent of locus of control, and the burden of care on family carers of persons with dementia (PWD).Method: Two hundred thirty PWD living at home and their family carers were recruited from 20 Norwegian municipalities. The carers’ burden was assessed by the Relatives’ Stress Scale (RSS) and coping by the Locus of Control Behaviour Scale. The PWD were assessed by the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI-Q), the Physical Self-Maintenance Scale (PSMS), the Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) scale, and the Mini Mental Status Examination (MMSE). Results: Locus of control (LoC) was found to be the most important factor associated with the burden on carers of PWD, even when we had controlled for the PWD variables, such as the NPI-Q score. The LoC and the carer's use of hours per day to assist the PWD were the only two variables the carers found that affected the extent of the burden. The NPI-Q was the most important variable in the PWD that affected the burden on the carers. Conclusion: Carers who believe that what happens to them is the consequence of their own actions are likely to be less burdened than carers not expecting to have control. This finding gives a possibility to identify carers with a high risk of burden. |
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Keywords: | dementia and cognitive disorders caregivers coping locus of control stress/burden behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia |
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