[Burden, attitudes and social support in the families of patients with long-term physical diseases].
OBJECTIVE
To describe in a sample of 646 relatives of patients with physical long-term illnesses: a) the relatives' burden of care; b) the relatives' attitudes towards the patients; c) the social and professional support received by the families.


METHODS
The study has been carried out in 30 Italian geographic areas randomly selected taking into account geographic location and population density. The sample has been consecutively recruited in 139 specialised units for the treatment of chronic heart, brain, diabetes, kidney, and lung diseases. Family burden was evaluated in relation to: a) family's socio-demographic variables and patients' clinical variables; b) relatives' attitudes toward the patient; c) social and professional support; d) geographic area and population density.


METHODS
Family Problems Questionnaire, physical illness version (QPF-O) and Social Network Questionnaire (QRS).


RESULTS
The consequences of caregiving most frequently reported were constraints in social and recreational activities, and feelings of loss. Burden was more marked in relatives of patients with higher physical disabilities, with neurological illnesses, and in relatives with lower support by their social network.


CONCLUSIONS
These data highlight the need to provide psychological and practical support to caregivers of patients with long-term physical diseases on the basis of the evaluation of their needs for care.
Magliano
Lorenza
L
Dipartimento di Psichiatria, Università di Napoli SUN, Napoli. lorenza.magliano@unina2.it
Fiorillo
Andrea
A
De Rosa
Corrado
C
Malangone
Claudio
C
Maj
Mario
M
D001294:Attitude to Health; D017281:Cost of Illness; D003710:Demography; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011159:Population Surveillance / Q000379:methods; D011594:Psychometrics; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires