The relationship between caregiver burden and TBI survivors' cognition and functional ability after discharge

This exploratory correlational clinical study examines the relationship between reported caregiver burden (as measured by the Burden Interview) and cognition and functional ability (as measured by the Functional Independence Measure instrument) of people who had experienced traumatic brain injury (TBI). The purpose of the research was to explore the impact of cognition and functional ability in adults with TBI on perceived caregiver burden. Forty-two subjects with TBI and their caregivers were studied during the follow-up clinic appointment 3 months after discharge from a 31-bed inpatient rehabilitation unit. Demographic data and relationships to previous studies were explored. Pearson correlation matrixes and a simple single regression model were used to examine the relationships. Functional ability and cognition both negatively affected reported caregiver burden, although the relationship was not statistically significant.