An investigation on family function and quality of life among Alzheimer′s disease caregivers / 预防医学

ABSTRACT

Objective To evaluate family function and quality of life of Alzheimer′s disease( AD)caregivers. Methods Family APGAR index questionnaire,the short form-36(SF-36)questionnaire and the Chinese version of WHO quality of life scale-brief form questionnaire( WHOQOL-BREF)were used to evaluate family function and quality of life of 93 AD caregivers which were selected as case group. 87 ordinary family caregivers were selected as control group. Results A total of 47 AD caregivers(50. 54%)had family functional disorder and the proportion(26. 44%)was significantly higher than that of control group(P<0. 01). The total score and each factor score of APGAR and WHOQOL-BREF were significantly lower than those of control group(P<0. 01)while the same differences were found for factor scores by SF-36 such as physiological function,general health,social function,emotional function and mental health. Conclusion The family function,health status and quality of life are severely damaged among AD caregivers.