Citation

Wong TH, Tan TXZ, Loo LM, Chua WC, Iau PTC, Ang ASH, Goo JTT, Chan KC, Nguyen HV, Nadkarni NV, Matchar DB, Seow DCC, Ng YS, Chan A, Fook-Chong S, Tang TY, Ong MEH, Malhotra R. PLoS One 2022; 17(10): e0275169.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2022, Public Library of Science)

DOI

10.1371/journal.pone.0275169

PMID

36215237

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: Family caregivers play a fundamental role in the care of the older blunt trauma patient. We aim to identify risk factors for negative and positive experiences of caregiving among family caregivers.

DESIGN: Prospective, nationwide, multi-center cohort study. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: 110 family caregivers of Singaporeans aged≥55 admitted for unintentional blunt trauma with an Injury Severity Score (ISS) or New Injury Severity Score (NISS)≥10 were assessed for caregiving-related negative (disturbed schedule and poor health, lack of family support, lack of finances) and positive (esteem) experiences using the modified-Caregiver Reaction Assessment (m-CRA) three months post-injury.

METHODS: The association between caregiver and patient factors, and the four m-CRA domains were evaluated via linear regression.

RESULTS: Caregivers of retired patients and caregivers of functionally dependent patients (post-injury Barthel score <80) reported a worse experience in terms of disturbed schedule and poor health (β-coefficient 0.42 [95% Confidence Interval 0.10, 0.75], p =.01; 0.77 [0.33, 1.21], p =.001), while male caregivers and caregivers who had more people in the household reported a better experience (-0.39 [-0.73, -0.06], p =.02; -0.16 [-0.25, -0.07], p =.001). Caregivers of male patients, retired patients, and patients living in lower socioeconomic housing were more likely to experience lack of family support (0.28, [0.03, -0.53], p =.03; 0.26, [0.01, 0.52], p =.05; 0.34, [0.05, -0.66], p =.02). In the context of lack of finances, caregivers of male patients and caregivers of functionally dependent patients reported higher financial strain (0.74 [0.31, 1.17], p =.001; 0.84 [0.26, 1.43], p =.01). Finally, caregivers of male patients reported higher caregiver esteem (0.36 [0.15, 0.57], p =.001).

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Negative and positive experiences of caregiving among caregivers of older blunt trauma patients are associated with pre-injury disability and certain patient and caregiver demographics. These factors should be considered when planning the post-discharge support of older blunt trauma patients.

Language: en