How the burden of caring for a patient in a vegetative state changes in relation to different coping strategies

To differentiate the burden of caregivers of patients in a vegetative state (VS) on the basis of different coping strategies and prolonged grief.

An observational multi-centre study was conducted with 61 caregivers of VS patients hospitalized in specialized units in Italy. The Anxiety and Depression Short Scale, the Prolonged Grief 12 and Family Strain Questionnaire were used to measure caregivers' burden and the Coping Orientations to Problem Experiences to identify the coping strategies used by caregivers. A hierarchical cluster analysis was carried out to group the data and a comparison between clusters was conducted.

Caregivers were grouped in two clusters defined by the major proximity among the cases of the same group and the major distance from the cases of the other group. The first group was characterized by lower levels of anxiety, depression, family strain and prolonged grief. This group mainly used coping strategies referring to three factors: Social Support, Positive Attitude and Problem Oriented. The second group showed higher levels of anxiety, depression, family strain and prolonged grief and used the Avoidance strategies more than the first group.

The burden of providing care to a VS patient is mediated by a range of factors including the different coping strategies adopted by caregivers. Support for these caregivers should take this consideration into account and should be subsequently personalized.