The relationship between personality traits of family caregivers of dementia patients and their level of perceived burden, depression and anxiety

In this study, the relationship between personality traits of family caregivers of dementia patients and the carers' levels of perceived burden, depression and anxiety have been explored. Furthermore, the relationship between sociodemographic factors about the caregivers and the patients, as well as the characteristics of the care process and the psychiatric difficulties experienced by the caregivers have been investigated. The participants of this study were the relatives of dementia patients receiving health care services at the neurology outpatient clinic in a private hospital in Bodrum, Muğla. 71 family caregivers between the ages of 25-85 have been included in the study. The data have been obtained through self-report questionnaires. The demographic information form created by the author, the Katz Activities of Daily Living Scale, the Zarit Burden Interview Scale, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and the Personality Belief Questionnaire – Short Form have been used. The results of the analyses of the data collected have shown that there is a positive and significant statistical relationship between various caregiver personality traits and the levels of perceived burden, anxiety and depression the participants have reported to experience. In addition, statistically significant relationships between these three areas and the demographical characteristics of the caregiver, the dementia patient, as well as factors specific to the care process have been observed. The results have been examined and discussed using related information gathered from previous studies on this subject. Recommendations for further research and for clinical applications have also been made.