Background Studies have shown that dementia caregivers are inclined to sacrifice their well-being leaving them susceptible to an increased risk of anxiety, low quality of life, and depression. With the proportion of female caregivers being unusually high, most studies focused exclusively on the burden of care in female caregivers, resulting in a knowledge gap regarding male caregiver burden. This study aimed to assess the difference in the burden of care experienced by male and female caregivers of dementia patients and the association of burden of care with psychological wellbeing according to gender.
Methods This was a cross-sectional survey of dementia patients’ caregivers from various locations in Lebanon, administered over the phone using structured questionnaires from February to April 2019. The population consisted of 50 females and 11 males' informal unpaid caregivers above the age of 18 in daily contact with the patient. The sample was conveniently selected and identified through two main non-profit organizations. The patient and the caregiver’s sociodemographic information were recorded. The psychological distress was measured using the General Health Survey Questionnaire (GHQ 12) whereas the burden of care was measured using the Zarit Burden Interview 22 (ZBI 22).
Results A large proportion of caregivers reported a severe level of burden (41 %). Only item 17 of the ZBI questionnaire (Feeling of life loss control since relative’s illness) was substantially higher among females. Of the caregivers, 70.5% experienced moderate to severe distress, being significantly higher in females. The sex of caregivers was the only socio-demographic factor significantly associated with the burden of care. Female caregivers who experienced severe burden had significantly higher odds of distress compared to those with no or mild to moderate burden (adjusted OR=15.55). No association among male caregivers.
Conclusion This study demonstrated that female caregivers experience a greater burden compared to males when assessed about anger. This could be explained by the different gender roles imposed by the Lebanese society on its members. Caregivers should be part of the holistic treatment of dementia patients since they represent an essential pillar of the informal care provided.