Authors

Abstract

Background and aim: providing care of patient with Alzheimer disease in long term associates with an increase in physical and mental health problems for caregivers. The study purpose was to assess the relationship between general health and burden in women as caregivers of patient with Alzheimer disease.
Material and Methods: In this cross sectional and study, 150 women who had 18-60 years old and were the first-degree relatives of elderly patient with Alzheimer and also being direct caregivers for at least six months were selected through the convenience method. The data were collected using general health and burden questionnaire and then analyzed using by SPSS 16 and some tests like independent T-test, ANOVA and Regression analysis with Pvalu of .05.
Results: The results indicated that 38% of caregivers were in a range age of 51-60 years old. In addition, 75.3% of theme were married and 72.7% had moderate economic status, 82% were house holder, 65.3% of them had diploma education, and 66% were elder’s daughter and took care of their old patients for 6-12 months. Results showed that 24% of participants were in a good level of general health and 62% experienced a high level of burden. Pearson’s correlation coefficient created a significant negative correlation between general health and burden (r= P≤0/000r= 0/661).
Conclusion: According to the correlation between level of general health and burden in this study, health level of care providers is an important health problem requiring to receiving attention from healthy services and professions as a priority in health caring.

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