OBJECTIVES: To investigate the prevalence and factors associated to burden, common mental distress and memory self-perception of family caregivers of elderly with dementia. METHODS: A cross-sectional and analytical study with a convenience sample of 58 family caregivers who participated in support groups for families of people with dementia. Instruments used: socio-demographic questionnaire, lifestyle habits, referred morbidity, use of medication and health services, Zarit Burden Interview Scale, Self Report Questionnaire SRQ-20, Prospective and Retrospective Memory Questionnaire (PRMQ-10) and Pfeffer Functional Scale. RESULTS: From the 58caregivers interviewed, the followingcharacteristicspredominated: 42were daughters (72.4%), adults (63.8%), ages below60 years old (63.8%), with complete college degree (46.6%).Among the self-reported health problems, the most prevalent were the presence of back (63.8%) and joints pains (60.3%), high cholesterol (51.7%) and hypertension (44.8%). The most used drugs were: anti-hypertensive (38.9%) and antidepressant (31.5%). Data showed that the degree of burden was from mild to moderate (51.7%). The final model showedan association ofburden with occupation (p=0,014), sports (p=0,010), religion (p=0,032) and time exercising the caregiver activities(p=0,046). Related to the minor mental disorders the relevant associations were sports (p=0,028), back pain (p=0,026) and daily care time (p=0,037). Memory complaints werestatistically associatedto the use of antidepressants (p=0,034). CONCLUSIONS: Despite the information and guidance given to the caregivers about caregiver activities in the support groups, they showed an overload of burden, reinforcing the need of preventive work, guidance and treatment.
Professional Burnout; Caregivers; Alzheimer´s Disease; Mental Disorders; Depression; Anxiety
