Caregiver Burden in Caregivers of Patients With Multiple Sclerosis

Istanbul Physical Medicine Rehabilitation Training and Research Hospital50 enrolled

Overview

Individuals aged 18-80 years who have been clinically diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and their caregivers will be included in the study. Demographic data of the patients, including age, height, weight, and comorbidities, will be recorded. Disease-specific characteristics such as disease duration, presence of incontinence, ambulation status, and presence and severity of pain will be assessed. Functional status of the patients will be evaluated using the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) and the Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale (MSIS). Symptoms related to depression and anxiety in patients will be assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Subsequently, caregivers of the patients will be evaluated. The severity of insomnia will be assessed using the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI). Symptoms related to anxiety and depression will be evaluated using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Caregiver burden will be assessed using the Zarit Caregiver Burden Scale.

Study Type

OBSERVATIONAL

Enrollment

Conditions

Multiple Sclerosis

Interventions

No interventionOTHER

No intervention

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 18 YearsMax age: 80 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Age 18-80 years * Clinically diagnosed with multiple sclerosis by a neurologist * Being followed in the physical therapy and rehabilitation clinics during the study period * Having a primary or regular caregiver (family member) * Both patient and caregiver able to read and understand Turkish and complete questionnaires * Willing to participate and provide written informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Severe cognitive impairment or communication problems preventing questionnaire completion * Acute relapse or hospitalization due to exacerbation within the last month * Severe comorbid neurological, psychiatric, or systemic disease affecting assessments * Caregiver \<18 years old or not providing regular care * Paid professional caregiver * Caregiver with severe psychiatric, neurological, or primary sleep disorder * Refusal to participate

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Zarit Caregiver Burden Scale (Zarit Burden Interview, ZBI)

Caregiver burden will be assessed using the Zarit Caregiver Burden Scale. Higher scores indicate greater caregiver burden.

Time frame: Baseline

Secondary Outcomes

Insomnia Severity Index (ISI)

The ISI evaluates the severity of insomnia symptoms. Total scores range from 0 to 28, with higher scores indicating more severe insomnia.

Time frame: Baseline

Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale - Anxiety Subscale (HADS-A)

Scores range from 0 to 21, with higher scores indicating greater anxiety.

Time frame: Baseline

Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale - Depression Subscale (HADS-D)

Scores range from 0 to 21, with higher scores indicating greater depressive symptoms.

Time frame: Baseline

Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS)

The EDSS evaluates disability in multiple sclerosis patients, ranging from 0 (normal neurological exam) to 10 (death due to MS).

Time frame: Baseline

Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale (MSIS)

The MSIS assesses the physical and psychological impact of multiple sclerosis on daily life. Higher scores indicate greater impact.

Time frame: Baseline

Caregiver Burden in Caregivers of Patients With Multiple Sclerosis

Overview

Conditions

Interventions

Eligibility

Locations (1)

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Secondary Outcomes