A Study on a Coping Method of the Family Caregivers of Demented Patients

치매노인 가족부양자의 대처방법에 관한 연구

This was a descriptive study designed to identify the level of coping method and its influencing factors on the family caregivers of demented patients, and resolve the family caregivers' level of stress. The data were collected from September 10 to October 10, 2001. Subjects for this study were recruited from four clinics, which were chosen from 15 clinics located in Chunbuk-Do as the study sites because of their cooperation for the study. They were similar in terms of size, the characteristics of the local community. and the population and registration status of the demented patients. The instruments used for the study were as follows: 1. Problematic behaviors of demented patients are measured by the Memory and Behavior Problem Checklist (Zarit, 1980), and the Linguistic Communication Symptoms Questionnaire (Bayles and Tomoeda, 1991) 2. The ability to carry out daily activities was measured using the Barthel Index (1965) and Katz Index (1963), which as well-known ADL assessment methods. 3. Burden was measured using Cost of Care Index by the Kosberg and Cairl (1986). 4. Coping strategy was measured Bell's 18 methods (1977). The data were analyzed using SPSS/PC. The study results were as follows: 1. The total stress score was 2.90 out of a maximum score of 5. The highest score reported was 3.09 on the dimension of restriction of individual and social activities, and the lowest region reported was 2.58 on the dimension of mental and physical health. 2. The total score of the coping method was 2.65 out of a maximum score of 5. The highest score reported was 4.01 on the dimension of thinking that includes an ideation such that it is better than any possible worst case, and the lowest score reported was 1.45 on the dimension of the self-image as a scapegoat. 3. There were significant differences in coping method among the subjects by age (F=2.752 p=0.04), caregiver (F=4.33 p=0.003), care-giving period (F=2.68 p=0.049), and dementia stage (F=2.87 p=0.034). 4. There were highly negative correlations ($\gamma$=-0.301 p=0.000) between problematic behaviors of demented patients and the coping method of their family caregivers. The highest correlation coefficient ($\gamma$=-0.339 p=0.000) was found between aggressive behaviors of the demented patients and the coping method of their family caregivers. 5. There was a low negative correlation ($\gamma$=-0.201 p=0.019) between the ADL of the demented patients and the coping method of their family caregivers. 6. There were highly negative correlations ($\gamma$=-0.213 p=0.005) between stress and the coping method of the family caregivers. The highest correlation was found between financial burden ($\gamma$=-.327 P=.000) and the coping method of the family caregivers. There was no significant correlation among unpleasant aspects of the demented patients, willingness to the demented patients, and the coping method of the family caregivers.