Predictors of family caregivers' life satisfaction after traumatic brain injury at one and two years post-injury: A longitudinal multi-center investigation

Abstract

Objective: To determine predictors of family caregiver life satisfaction at one and two years after traumatic brain injury (TBI). Methods: Prospective collaborative longitudinal study of 336 family members caring for individuals with TBI participating in the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR) designated TBI Model Systems of Care (TBIMS). Survivors' medical and demographic information was obtained from the TBIMS database. Follow-up interviews were completed with both survivors and family caregivers at 1 year and 2 years post injury. The primary outcome variable, caregiver life satisfaction, was measured with the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS). Results: Repeated measures ordinal logistic regression showed that survivors' functional status at discharge, drug use, and neurobehavioral problems were significant predictors of family caregivers' life satisfaction at 1 and 2 years post injury. Conclusions: Family members of individuals with TBI often experience reduced life satisfaction in the first 2 years following their relatives' TBI. Psychiatric and neurobehavioral problems, such as drug use and depression, as well as motor dysfunction in survivors may be important contributors to decreased life satisfaction among their caregivers.

Initial experiences of family caregivers of survivors of a traumatic brain injury

“…Several studies have been conducted on family caregivers in the context of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) (Arango-Lasprilla et al 2010; Gan et al 2010; Livingston et al 2010; Phelan et al 2011; Vangel, Rapport & Hanks 2011). Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are regarded as a global public health problem, with research showing that TBIs affect an estimated 10 million people worldwide every year (Hyder et al 2007).…”

“…Rehabilitation often ranges in duration from months to a few years, and may sometimes last a lifetime (Rotondi et al 2007). This may suggest that the person with the TBI will often need continued care after being discharged from hospital (Livingston et al 2010), and this responsibility is then placed on relatives of these patients.…”

A study of burden of care and its correlates among family members supporting relatives and loved ones with traumatic spinal cord injuries

“…16 Consequently, this new stressful role combined with the lack of a specific training is susceptible to cause them a negative impact. 7–14,16…”

Transition From Pediatric to Adult Services: Challenges for Family Caregivers of Young Adults With Traumatic Brain Injury

“…The changes following TBI have a significant impact on close family caregivers, especially parents who are often thrust into this role without adequate training, information, and support (Albert, Im, Brenner, Smith, & Waxman, 2002;Gagnon, Swaine, Champagne, & Lefebvre, 2008). Several studies have demonstrated the presence of subjective burden and emotional distress (i.e., clinically significant levels of anxiety and depression) among family caregivers, including during the transition from hospital to home (Kreutzer, Rapport et al, 2009;Livingston et al, 2010;Turner, Fleming, Ownsworth, & Cornwell, 2010). In addition, family caregivers can experience social changes that include shifts in their roles, relationships, financial situation, and social interaction (Fraser, 1999;Kolakowsky-Hayner, Miner, & Kreutzer, 2001).…”