FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH CAREGIVER'S BURDEN IN RELAPSING-REMITTING MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS AND SATISFACTION WITH CURRENT THERAPIES. MS-FEELING STUDY

Author(s)

Balaña M1, Fabregas M2, Meca-Lallana J3, Mendibe M4, Garcia E1
1Novartis Farmaceutica, Barcelona, Spain, 2TFS Develop S.A., Barcelona, Spain, 3Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain, 4Hospital de Cruces, San Vicente de Barakaldo, Spain

OBJECTIVES To describe the characteristics and burden of caregivers and patients affected by relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS), and to describe their satisfaction with treatment.  METHODS Multicenter, observational, cross-sectional study in RRMS patients≥18 years(y), treated for ≥1y. Burden was assessed with the Zarit Burden Interview. Other measures were: Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, short form (CESD-7); and treatment satisfaction of caregivers (ad-hoc questionnaire) and patients (Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication (TSQM)).  RESULTS We included 180 patients (mean (SD) age 41(11)y, 66% female) and caregivers (47(12)y, 56% female, 67% economically active). Most caregivers were relatives (59% partner;25% parent;9% brother or sister) and lived with the patient (86%);37% helped with the medication. Median(Q1,Q3) time since diagnosis was 7(4,10)y and between diagnosis and first treatment, 0.3(0.2,1.3)y. Most patients received monotherapy with interferon beta(51%), glatiramer acetate(20%), natalizumab(14%) or fingolimod(7%); 15.6% received ≥2 drugs. Median EDSS was 2.5(1,4). According to the Zarit Interview, 19% of caregivers had some degree of burden (median:10(7,15)). Factors associated with burden were: EDSS (mean(SD) in caregivers with burden vs without burden, respectively:4.0(2.1) vs 2.6(1.9),p<0.0005), years of caregiving (mean:4.0(4.5) vs 2.7(4.5)y,p=0.005), daily hours dedicated to patient (10.8(12.1) vs 5.8(4.6) hours,p=0.038), and >1 drug (39% of burden when patients take≥2 drugs vs 16% with monotherapy,p=0.004). Other caregiver’s characteristics (age, gender, professional activity, relationship with patient or cohabitation) were not significantly associated. 28.2% of caregivers had depression (CESD-7≥15). Both patients (90% satisfied or very satisfied according to the TSQM) and caregivers (mean of 7.6(2.3) on a scale from 0-10 [maximum satisfaction]) were quite satisfied with treatment. CONCLUSIONS In the RRMS population with moderate disability, around 2 in 10 caregivers have some degree of burden, and 1 in 4 suffer depression. The burden increases proportionately with disease severity and number of medications administered. Overall, patients and caregivers are satisfied with treatment. 

Conference/Value in Health Info

2014-11, ISPOR Europe 2014, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Value in Health, Vol. 17, No. 7 (November 2014)

Code

PND66

Topic

Patient-Centered Research

Topic Subcategory

Stated Preference & Patient Satisfaction

Disease

Neurological Disorders

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