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Factors associated with the quality of life of family carers of people with dementia: A systematic review

Farina, Nicolas, Page, Thomas, E., Daley, Stephanie, Brown, Anna, Bowling, Ann, Bassett, Thurstine, Livingston, Gill, Knapp, Martin R J., Murray, Joanna, Banerjee, Sube and others. (2017) Factors associated with the quality of life of family carers of people with dementia: A systematic review. Alzheimers & Dementia, 13 (5). pp. 572-581. ISSN 1552-5260. (doi:10.1016/j.jalz.2016.12.010) (KAR id:59770)

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Family carers of people with dementia are their most important support in practical, personal and economic terms. Carers are vital to maintaining the quality of life (QOL) of people with dementia. This review aims to identify factors related to the QOL of family carers of people with dementia.

METHODS: Searches on terms including ‘carers’, ‘dementia’, ‘family’ and ‘quality of life’ in research databases. Findings were synthesised inductively, grouping factors associated with carer QOL into themes.

RESULTS: 909 abstracts were identified. Following screening, lateral searches and quality appraisal, 41 studies (n=5,539) were included for synthesis. Ten themes were identified: demographics; carer-patient relationship; dementia characteristics; demands of caring; carer health; carer emotional wellbeing; support received; carer independence; carer self-efficacy; and future.

DISCUSSION: The quality and level of evidence supporting each theme varied. We need further research on what factors predict carer QOL in dementia and how to measure it.

Item Type: Article
DOI/Identification number: 10.1016/j.jalz.2016.12.010
Uncontrolled keywords: Quality of life, family carers, family carergivers, informal carers, dementia, measurement Alzheimer’s disease, systematic review
Subjects: B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
Divisions: Divisions > Division of Human and Social Sciences > School of Psychology
Depositing User: Anna Brown
Date Deposited: 04 Jan 2017 10:02 UTC
Last Modified: 04 Mar 2024 16:24 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/59770 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

University of Kent Author Information

Page, Thomas, E..

Creator's ORCID:
CReDIT Contributor Roles:

Brown, Anna.

Creator's ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5612-2627
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