Family needs in caregivers of individuals with traumatic brain injury from Colombia, South America.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of the present study was to determine the most and least important family needs in a group of family caregivers of individuals with TBI from Cali, Colombia, and to examine which of those needs were more likely to be met and unmet.


METHODS
Cross-sectional descriptive study.


METHODS
Valle University Hospital in Cali, Colombia.


METHODS
Twenty-nine family caregivers of individuals with traumatic brain injury.


METHODS
The Family Needs Questionnaire, a 40-item questionnaire divided into six sub-scales.


RESULTS
Health Information, Community Support Network and Professional Support Network sub-scales were the most important needs reported by this group of Colombian TBI family caregivers. The most frequently met needs in the present study fell within Health Information, Involvement with Care and Instrumental Support sub-scales and the most frequently unmet needs fell within the Emotional Support, Instrumental Support and Professional Support sub-scales.


CONCLUSIONS
Family needs in caregivers of individuals with TBI from Colombia are similar, but more likely to be unmet, than those reported in previous studies. Interventions designed to meet family caregivers' needs in these areas should be implemented in Colombia.
Arango-Lasprilla
Juan Carlos
JC
Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, MCV Campus, West Hospital, 1200 East Broad St., Richmond, VA 23298, USA. jcarangolasp@vcu.edu
Quijano
Maria Cristina
MC
Aponte
Monica
M
Cuervo
Maria Teresa
MT
Nicholls
Elizabeth
E
Rogers
Heather Lynn
HL
Kreutzer
Jeffrey
J
D000328:Adult; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000451:nursing* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology*; D003105:Colombia; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D020380:Needs Assessment; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires