Impact of inguinal hernia repair on family and other informal caregivers.
OBJECTIVE
Inguinal hernia significantly affects family and other informal caregivers, and hernia repair will significantly reduce caregiver burden.


METHODS
We analyzed data from a Veterans Affairs Cooperative Study with mixed models to compare the level of burden among caregivers of inguinal hernia patients from preoperative measurement to measurement at 2 weeks and at 3 months postoperatively.


RESULTS
Most caregivers were wives (73%) and lived with the patients (88%). There were no differences in caregiver burden by type of treatment. The time caregivers spent assisting patients increased significantly over the 2 weeks following treatment (odds ratio, 4.34). In contrast, 3 months after treatment, caregivers reported spending less time on additional chores than before treatment (odds ratio, 0.12). Furthermore, caregivers' concerns about patients' abilities to perform normal household activities decreased by 2 weeks posttreatment (odds ratio, 0.52). Wives/girlfriends and caregivers of patients with complications were more likely to report these concerns.


CONCLUSIONS
Inguinal hernia and its repair significantly affect informal caregivers. Caregivers assumed the heaviest time and effort-related burden 2 weeks following hernia repair and expended additional effort if the patient experienced complications. Interventions should reflect when burden is greatest and target the subgroups of caregivers who most need support.
Witt
Whitney Perkins
WP
Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.
Gibbs
James
J
Wang
Jia
J
Giobbie-Hurder
Anita
A
Edelman
Perry
P
McCarthy
Martin
M
Neumayer
Leigh
L
D000328:Adult; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology*; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D005260:Female; D006552:Hernia, Inguinal / Q000451:nursing* / Q000601:surgery*; D006701:Home Nursing / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy; D008297:Male; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D013526:Surgical Mesh; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014728:Veterans