Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
WORK, cilt.1, sa.1, ss.1, 2024 (SCI-Expanded)
Abstract
Background:
Caring for neurological patients poses a serious burden on caregivers even in
normal times. It is likely that this burden has become even more painful post-Covid
19 pandemic.
Objective:
This study evaluation of the effect of the Covid-19 Pandemic on the care burden
of those who care for patients with chronic neurological diseases.
Methods:
The study included 50 patients, and 50 caregivers. All the tests were conducted
twice, it was answered firstly according to the pre-Covid 19 Pandemic, and
secondly during Covid-19 Pandemic period. The depression levels of the
patients, and caregivers was assessed with the Beck Depression Scale, their
sleep quality with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, their quality of life
with the RAND 36-Item Health Survey, and caregivers' burden of care was evaluated
with the Zarit Caregiver Burden Scale.
Results:
It was observed at the end of the study that the depression levels of patients
(p=0.00), and caregivers (p=0.00) increased post-Covid 19 Pandemic, sleep
quality of caregivers (p=0.00), and patient (p=0.02) decreased post-Covid-19
Pandemic. On the other hand, it was determined that caregivers' burden of care
increased (p=0.00). Sub-parameters of the RAND 36-Item Health Survey, physical
functioning (p=0.02), Role limitations due to physical health (p=0.00), and
Role limitations due to emotional problems (p=0.03) decreased for caregivers. Conclusion:
In summary, we concluded that the well-being and psychological status of both
patients and their caregivers were adversely affected by the Covid-19 Pandemic.