Quality of Life for Family Caregivers of MS Patients in Kuwait
Author Information
Author(s): Alshubaili Asmahan F, Ohaeri Jude U, Awadalla Abdel W, Mabrouk Asser A
Primary Institution: Ibn Sina Hospital, Kuwait
Hypothesis
Caregivers of patients with relapsing remitting MS would have significantly higher QOL domain scores and more positive attitudes towards MS compared to caregivers of patients with progressive MS.
Conclusion
Caregivers need specific attention if they are less educated, unemployed, afraid of having MS, and caring for patients with longer duration of illness and less education.
Supporting Evidence
- Caregivers had significantly lower QOL than the general population control group for five out of six domains.
- Caregiver QOL was more affected by their fear of having MS than their feelings about the illness.
- The significant predictor of caregivers' overall QOL was their impression of patients' QOL.
Takeaway
This study shows that taking care of someone with multiple sclerosis can be really hard on family members, especially if they are worried about getting sick themselves.
Methodology
Caregivers and patients were assessed using the WHOQOL Instrument, and caregivers rated their own QOL and their impression of patients' QOL.
Potential Biases
The caregivers' attitudes towards MS may not significantly impact their QOL ratings.
Limitations
The study was cross-sectional and involved only subjects from one center, which may not represent the general population of caregivers of MS patients in Kuwait.
Participant Demographics
Caregivers consisted of 60 men and 86 women, with a mean age of 35.7 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.01
Confidence Interval
95% Confidence interval not specified
Statistical Significance
p<0.01
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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