Caregiving burdens, depression levels, and related factors of attendants who care physical treatment and rehabilitation patients who applied to Turgut Özal Medical Center

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the caregiving burden, depression and related factors of the caregivers of chronic patients who received physical therapy. Materials and Methods: Research was conducted as a cross-sectional descriptor between 1 March 2018 and 1 March 2019 at Turgut Ozal Medical Center, Inonu University. The sample was calculated as 129 people with power analysis. Data was collected by using The Patient Information Form, Personal Care Form, Zarit Care Burden Scale, and Beck Depression Scale, which were prepared by the researcher. In the evaluation of the data, percentage distribution, mean, t test in independent groups, one way variance analysis, and pearson correlation analysis were used. Results: The mean of the caregiving burden was found to be as 38.48 ± 12.68, and the mean depression score as 13.68 ± 9.41. There was a significant positive correlation between the scores obtained from ZBYÖ and the scores obtained from BDÖ (r:0.782, p<0.001). In the study, it was determined that factors such as age, marital status, degree of proximity, income level, caregiving period, getting help, caregiving break etc. affect the caregiving burden. The factors such as gender, marital status, degree of proximity, income level, working status, caregiving period, getting help, living with the patient, caregiving break, the presence of chronic disease of the caregiver etc. affect the depression level. The factors such as the patient's insomnia, inability to walk, urine/stool problem, satisfaction with the caregiving, the way of treatment and the use of assistive tools were found to affect the caregiving burden and depression scores. Conclusion: The level of depression increased as the caregiving burden increased. A positive relationship was found between the caregiving burden and depression. It is advisable to arrange training and consultancy programs for caregivers to deal with the problems they face and to monitor caregivers at regular intervals. Key Words: Caregiving burden, depression, caregiver, physical therapy