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Coronaviruses

COVID-19 Pandemic Exacerbates Caregiver Burden for Children with Haemophilia

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Researchers at the University of Santo Tomas Hospital in Manila, Philippines, investigated the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the quality of life (QoL) of caregivers of children with haemophilia. The study revealed a significant increase in caregiver strain and impairment in QoL among caregivers, with 55.6% experiencing caregiver strain and 20.8% impairment in QoL during the pandemic. Notably, the pre-pandemic prevalence of caregiver burden was comparable to published literature, but the pandemic significantly increased this burden.

Key Takeaways:

  • The COVID-19 pandemic significantly increased caregiver strain, with 55.6% of caregivers experiencing strain compared to 21 (29.2%) pre-pandemic.
  • The prevalence of impairment in QoL among caregivers increased from 5 (6.9%) pre-pandemic to 15 (20.8%) during the pandemic.
  • Anxiety and depressive symptoms among caregivers were below the pre-pandemic range, with 8.3% and 4.2% experiencing anxiety and depressive symptoms, respectively.
  • The study concluded that attention to caregiver burden and compromised QoL should be evaluated and addressed as well as the patients themselves.
  • The study used validated questionnaires, including the Modified Caregiver Strain Index Pilipino (MCSI-P), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (Pilipino) (HADS-P), and WHO-5 Well Being Index (Pilipino).
  • The study involved 72 participants, with 21 (29.2%) experiencing caregiver strain and 15 (20.8%) impairment in QoL during the pandemic.

Statistics:

  • 55.6% of caregivers experienced caregiver strain during the pandemic, compared to 21 (29.2%) pre-pandemic.
  • 20.8% of caregivers experienced impairment in QoL during the pandemic, compared to 5 (6.9%) pre-pandemic.
  • 8.3% of caregivers experienced anxiety, below the pre-pandemic range.
  • 4.2% of caregivers experienced depressive symptoms, below the pre-pandemic range.

Sources:

  • Burden of Care and Quality of Life Among Caregivers of Filipino Children With Haemophilia Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study (Journal: Haemophilia, Publisher: Wiley)
  • University of Santo Tomas Hospital (Manila, Philippines)
  • Flerida G. Hernandez, Section of Hematology-Oncology, Dept. of Pediatrics, University of Santo Tomas Hospital (Manila, Philippines)
  • Wiley (111 River St, Hoboken 07030-5774, NJ, USA)

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