Article

Despite the body of research on caregivers of individuals with
various types of disabilities, SCI caregivers have received comparably less
attention, especially in regions like Latin America.
The purpose of
this study was to examine the association between HRQOL and mental health in SCI
caregivers from Colombia. METHOD: A cross sectional study assessed SCI caregivers
(n = 40) in Neiva, Colombia. Participants completed a measure of their HRQOL
(SF-36 Health Questionnaire) and four measures of mental health (Satisfaction
With Life Scale, Zarit Burden Interview, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, and
State-Trait Anxiety Inventory). RESULTS: A canonical correlation between
variables revealed that 64% of the variance was shared between mental health and
HRQOL. The domains that loaded highest within the canonical correlation were
social functioning, general health, and anxiety, indicating that SCI caregivers
with higher anxiety experienced lower social functioning and lower general
health. Furthermore, 15 of the 24 bivariate correlations between mental health
and HRQOL were statistically significant, suggesting a strong connection between
these two sets of variables. CONCLUSION: Rehabilitation professionals in Latin
America should consider the development of caregiver interventions focusing on
both physical and mental health, as the two constructs are closely connected
through social functioning, general health, and anxiety.

Langue : ANGLAIS