Article

OBJECTIVE: To identify factors affecting the health-related quality of life
(HRQOL) of informal caregivers assisting people with (multiple sclerosis) MS who
have greater functional impairment. METHODS: Data were collected in a national
survey of 530 people who provided informal care to people with MS. Multiple
linear regression models analyzed these data. RESULTS: Poorer overall health for
the person with MS, stronger agreement by caregivers that care giving was
burdensome or emotionally draining, and the caregiver's need for mental health
counseling in the past 12 months were associated with lower mental dimensions of
HRQOL for the informal caregiver. Greater caregiver satisfaction with the access
the person with MS had to MS-focused care was associated with higher mental
dimensions of HRQOL among caregivers. CONCLUSIONS: Increasing access to
MS-focused care could improve not only the health of people with MS, but also
improve the mental dimensions of caregiver HRQOL. Our findings highlight the
importance of addressing the mental health needs of informal caregivers assisting
people with MS.

Langue : ANGLAIS