A longitudinal study on the influencing factors and the burden on primary caregivers of elderly hip fracture patients

Objective To investigate the dynamic changes of the burden on primary caregivers of elderly hip fracture patients, and to analyze the influencing factors, so as to provide reference. Methods This study used descriptive research method.Collected in May 2014 to May 2016 Orthopedic Department, the elderly patients treated with hip fracture and their primary family caregivers of 212 cases for visit investigation before discharge, and the time points were the time before discharge, 1 month after discharge, 3 months after discharge. Survey tools included elderly hip fracture patients and caregivers general situation questionnaire, CaregiverBurdenInventory (CBI), and Caregivers' Competencies Questionnaire (CCQ) . Results The main caregivers' competencies were in the medium level. Primary caregivers in hospital and after discharge were under moderate load, in which patients discharged from hospital after 1 month with the heaviest load.The results of GEE indicated that whether before or after discharge from the hospital, ADL scores in elderly patients with hip fracture, caregivers character and their monthly income were the main factors for the caregivers. Conclusions Nursing staff should pay close attention to and assess the burden and the competencies ofthe caregivers of patients, and provide continuous individualized nursing services in hospital and after discharge, and thereby to promote the caregivers' competencies, relieve their burden and promote the recovery of patients. Key words: Caregivers burden; Primary caregiver; Caregivers' competencies; Hip fracture; Influencing factor