title: [Burden of primary caregivers of young patients with brain damage].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The objective of this study was to shed light on (1) the extent to which primary caregivers of patients with brain damage feel nursing-care burden, and (2) the relationship between such burden and other attributes in a cross-sectional manner.
  
  
  METHODS
  We conducted an anonymous questionnaire survey of primary caregivers of young patients with brain damage. The survey was conducted between November 2008 and March 2009. The number of valid responses was 53 (response rate 56%). To assess burden of caregivers, we used the Short Version of the Japanese Version of the Zarit Caregiver Burden Interview (J-ZBI_8).
  
  
  RESULTS
  With regard to burden felt by primary caregivers "concerns about excretion" and "problematic behavior" were stressed. Individuals who were less than 50 in age most strongly felt burden. Moreover, burden was greater for spouses than for guardians.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In order to reduce the burden of caregivers in case of primary caregivers, rehabilitation concerning young patients with brain damage and efforts to enhance their capabilities are important. In addition, it is also necessary to provide social resources so that primary caregivers can rely on other persons without worry.
authors.affiliation: University of Mejiro.
authors.forename: Akiko
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ajimi
authors.forename: Tomomi
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Mizuno
authors.forename: Katsumi
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Tokuda
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001925:Brain Damage, Chronic / Q000451:nursing*; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013315:Stress, Psychological; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires