What impacts on the stress symptoms of Parkinson's carers? Results from the Parkinson's UK Members' Survey.

Abstract

Caring for a patient with Parkinson's disease (PD) is stressful and has a significant impact on the carer's physical and mental health. This article is aimed at assessing which characteristics are most frequently associated with the stress symptoms of PD carers. Data from the Parkinson's UK Members' Survey were drawn from 1881 valid self-completion surveys, filled in by carers of a patient with PD. The carers, 95.6% of whom were a first-degree relative, reported an average of 2.7 ± 3.1 stress-related symptoms. In multiple regression analysis, a greater number of symptoms were associated (p < 0.01) with: the more tasks that the carer carried out (β = 0.35), an increased number of carer's co-morbidities (0.22) and worsening financial status (0.16). It is important to consider the health of both the patient with PD as well as that of the family carer to reduce the impact of caring activity on the carer's stress.