Abstract

Cognitive, Behavioral, and Functional Impairments among Traumatic Brain Injury Survivors: Impact on Caregiver Burden.

Devi, Yashodha Khan, Sahiba Rana, Priyanka Dhandapani, Manju Ghai, Sandhya Gopichandran, Lakshmanan Dhandapani, Sivashanmugam

Abstract


Background The burden of cognitive, behavioral, and functional impairments after traumatic brain injury (TBI) is still not highlighted much, but its impact on caregivers is socio-economically relevant. The objectives of the study were to assess cognitive, behavioral, and functional impairments in patients of TBI and its impact on caregiver burden. Materials and Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using a total enumeration sampling technique. Mini-mental status examination, neuropsychiatric inventory and Rappaports disability rating scale were used to assess patients cognitive, behavioral, and functional impairments, respectively. Zarit Caregiver Burden Scale was executed to quantify the caregiver burden. Results Fifty patients of TBI and their caregivers were enrolled. Among these, 24% had moderate cognitive impairments. Among behavioral symptoms, 40% had agitation, 24% had depression, 18% had anxiety, and 16% had irritability. Moderate functional disability was reported by 18% of the patients, while 2% reported severe functional disability. Moderate to severe caregiver burden was reported by 8% of caregivers. Patients behavioral ( r = 0.507, p < 0.001), functional ( r = 0.473, p = 0.001), and cognitive ( r = 0.438, p = 0.001) impairments had significant correlations with caregiver burden. Conclusion Patients develop cognitive, behavioral, and functional disability after TBI. The caregiver burden increases significantly with cognitive dysfunction, behavioral symptoms, and impaired functional status of patients. Therefore, appropriate support is to be provided to caregivers as well as patients.


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