Evaluation of caregiver burden and related factors in children with earthquake-related amputation
Abstract
Purpose: The aim of this study was to assess the potential burden and associated parameters on caregivers of children with earthquake-related amputation.
Materials and Methods: The study includes children (aged 8-18 years) who experienced unilateral lower limb loss due to Kahramanmaraş earthquakes on February 6, 2023, and their caregivers. The functional status, anxiety and depression levels, and degree of dependency in self-care activities of amputee children were evaluated by using the Child Amputee Prosthetic Project-Functional Status Inventory, Revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scale (RCADS)-caregiver and child forms, and self-care domain of the Functional Independence Measure for Children, respectively. In caregivers, caregiver burden, mental health, and quality of life were assessed using the Zarit Caregiver Burden Interview (ZBI), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and 12 item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-12).
Results: The study included 29 primary caregivers and 29 pediatric patients with lower extremity amputations. ZBI total scores differed with phantom pain coexistence. ZBI total scores did not differ according to amputation levels. RCADS anxiety scores were negatively correlated with SF-12 PCS scores. A moderate positive correlation was observed between the total scores of HADS and RCADS caregivers.
Conclusion: Earthquake-related lower limb amputation in children causes increased caregiver burden. This burden was found to be independent of the level of amputation. The mental health of the caregivers was associated with the amputee children's anxiety and depression status, which the caregivers themselves reported.
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Kaynakça
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