[The burden of informal caregivers of multiple sclerosis patients: a pilot study]

The main objective of the study was to measure caregiver burden among informal caregivers assisting people with multiple sclerosis (MS).

Thirty percent of people with multiple sclerosis require some form of home assistance and 80% of such care is provided by informal caregivers. The quality of life of informal caregivers of patients with multiple sclerosis decreases with increasing physical and depressive symptoms of their loved ones. This can have effects on stress levels, physical and mental health, quality of life, and mortality of informal caregivers.

A descriptive correlational study was performed in a sample of informal caregivers of MS patients.

The study enrolled 41 informal caregivers of MS patients at a regional reference center in Rome, Italy. Data collection took place in the period between May and September 2016. A paper questionnaire was used, comprising a socio-demographic section and a "Caregiver Burden Inventory" section.

The subjective burden perceived by informal caregivers of patients with MS is moderate. Socio-demographic characteristics were not found to influence burden of caregivers.

It is important for nursing professionals to consider and evaluate the burden of informal caregivers of MS patients as they are valuable allies in the management of these patients.