Relationship between perceived burden of caring for a family member with Alzheimer's disease and decreased participation in meaningful activities.
ABSTRACT Objective: This study examines the relationship between caring for a family member with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and activity participation.


METHODS
A 34-item caregiver questionnaire including items measuring the perceived caregiving burden and the level of participation in meaningful activities was completed by 54 caregivers.


RESULTS
A significant negative correlation (r = -.56, p <.0001) was demonstrated between the two variables: caregiving burden and participation in meaningful activities.


CONCLUSIONS
An increased perception of burden is related to a decrease of participation in desired occupations among family caregivers of people with AD. The findings can help occupational therapy practitioners develop interventions aiming at improving caregivers' quality of life through enhancing opportunities for meaningful occupations.
Jeng-Liang Eric Hwang, PhD, OTR/L, is Assistant Professor, Department of Occupational Therapy, College of Professional Studies, California State University, Dominguez Hills, 1000 E. Victoria Street, Carson, CA 90747.
Jeng-Liang
JL
Eric Hwang
Jose G
JG
Rivas
Rosanne
R
Fremming
Miladys M
MM
Rivas
Kristen R
KR
Crane