Zarit caregiver burden Scale: Analysis of its psychometric properties in family caregivers living in Buenos Aires, Argentina Escala de sobrecarga del cuidador de Zarit: análisis de sus propiedades psicométricas en cuidadores familiares residentes en Buenos Aires, Argentina

TARTAGLINI, MARÍA FLORENCIA; FELDBERG, CAROLINA; HERMIDA, PAULA DANIELA; HEISECKE, SILVINA LIDIA; DILLON, CAROL; OFMAN, SILVIA DEBORAH; NUÑEZ, MACARENA LILIANA; SOMALE, VERÓNICA

Neurologia Argentina

Elsevier

Lugar: Buenos Aires; Año: 2019 vol. 12 p. 27 - 35

1853-0028

Introduction: The population increase of older adults and the growing prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases that cause dementia are raising the number of close relatives who must permanently take care of dementia patients. In the scientific literature those persons are classified as ?second victims? or ?hidden patients? and they are considered as a social health risk group due to the unfavorable health repercussions they suffer because of the role they perform. The Zarit Caregiver Burden Scale evaluates levels of overload feeling. Objective: To present evidence of validity for the use of the Zarit Caregiver Burden Scale in family caregivers of patients with dementia living in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Subjects and methods: Two independent samples were collected to analyze evidences of construct validity: Sample 1 for the exploratory factorial study and internal consistency; Sample 2 for confirmatory factor analysis. Results: Sample 1 consisted of 150 caregivers from 19 to 87 years old (M = 58.48, SD = 15.90) and Sample 2 of 203 caregivers between 22 and 90 years old (M = 66.74, SD = 11.13). As result, a 17 items instrument was obtained which allows evaluating the feeling of caregiver burden in a valid and reliable way. Discussion: The obtained results are discussed according to previous theory and to the practical implications of the instrument application. Conclusion: The Zarit caregiver burden Scale, in its Argentine version, has demonstrated appropriate psychometric characteristics that validate its use in our country.