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Abstract #157911

Mary-Kate Barrette-Grischow, MA, MPH, Thomas Hull, BA, Linda Silvestri, MPH, CHES, and Bruce Ziran, MD. Orthopaedic Trauma Research, St. Elizabeth Health Center, 1044 Belmont Avenue, Youngstown, OH 44501, 330-480-6302, Mary-Kate_Barrette-Grischow@HMIS.ORG

Purpose: The trend in modern healthcare is toward more responsibility being assumed by non-compensated caregivers. This study examines the relationship between older orthopaedic trauma patients' SF-36 scores and the degree of stress upon informal caregivers.

Methods: 45 pairs of patients (>59years) and their caregivers were the basis of this study. Demographic and injury data was collected and patients were given the standardized SF-36V2. Caregivers were administered the standardized Caregiver Burden Scale (disruption of life, emotional stress, and responsibilities too demanding) and an additional survey developed by the authors. SPSS statistical analysis utilized frequency tables and T-tests.

Results: Mean SF-36 scores were more than one standard deviation below the national average (Physical Component Score 32.92, Mental Component Score 35.73). Overall caregiver stress response was high (32% high life disruption, 47% high emotional impact of care responsibilities). Low PCS was associated with high life disruption for the caregiver (p<0.01). Bodily pain and physical functioning were the components most influential to caregiver stress. Regarding the MCS, vitality (energy, pep) was the only component with a significant relationship to caregiver stress (p<0.05). No relationships were identified between patient SF-36 scores and emotional impact on the caregiver.

Discussion: This study suggests an interaction between the health of patients and the stress burden of caregivers. It is interesting that the relationship can be seen with the physical health measurement but not the mental. As caregiver responsibilities evolve to include non-compensated providers, understanding the dynamics of the patient/caregiver relationship may be important when evaluating functional outcomes studies.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe categories of caregiver burden experienced by informal caregivers of orthopaedic trauma patients.
• Evaluate elderly orthopaedic trauma patients' SF-36 scores.
• Discuss the relationship between the self-reported health of the patient and the level of stress experienced by the caregiver.

Keywords: Aging, Caregivers

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No
Any institutionally-contracted trials related to this submission?

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.