ปัจจัยทำนายภาระของผู้ดูแลผู้ป่วยสูงอายุสมองเสื่อมที่มีปัญหาพฤติกรรมและจิตใจ

Abstract

This predictive research aimed to examine levels of caregivers’ burden and predictive factors of caregivers’ burden among caregivers of elderly dementia patients with behavioral and psychological symptoms. Participants comprised 108 primary caregivers, taking care for elderly dementia patients with behavioral and psychological symptoms at Suansaranrom Hospital. The research instrument consisted of 6 parts: (1) a demographic data of caregivers and elderly dementia patients with behavioral and psychological symptoms questionnaire (2) a Caregiver Burden scale (3) an Activity of Daily Living scale; (4) a Thai Mental State Examination; (5) a coping scale; and (6) a social support assessment. Content validity of all parts was verified by three experts. Reliability of the parts 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 was analyzed using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient, yielding values of .92, .89, .78, .80 and .83 respectively. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The predictive ability of the selected factors was analyzed using standard multiple linear regression (enter method). The results showed that caregivers’ burden of caring for elderly dementia patients with behavioral and psychological symptoms was at mild level (M =1.32, SD =.51). Predictive factors could explain 16.6 percent of the variance (R2 =1.66, p<.01). For consideration, the factor that significantly predicted the burden was social support (ß=.368, p<.01). The results of this study could be used as basic information to develop nursing care to improve caregivers’ capabilities in caring for elderly dementia adults with behavioral and psychological symptoms