TY  - JOUR
T1  - IMpact of inguinal hernia repair on family and other informal caregivers
AU  - Witt W, Gibbs J, Wang J, et al
Y1  - 2006/09/01
N1  - 10.1001/archsurg.141.9.925
JO  - Archives of Surgery
SP  - 925
EP  - 930
VL  - 141
IS  - 9
N2  - Hypothesis 
    Inguinal hernia significantly affects family and other informal caregivers, and hernia repair will significantly reduce caregiver burden.Methods 
    We analyzed data from a Veterans Affairs Cooperative Study with mixed models to compare the level of burden among caregivers of inguinal hernia patients from preoperative measurement to measurement at 2 weeks and at 3 months postoperatively.Results 
    Most caregivers were wives (73%) and lived with the patients (88%). There were no differences in caregiver burden by type of treatment. The time caregivers spent assisting patients increased significantly over the 2 weeks following treatment (odds ratio, 4.34). In contrast, 3 months after treatment, caregivers reported spending less time on additional chores than before treatment (odds ratio, 0.12). Furthermore, caregivers' concerns about patients' abilities to perform normal household activities decreased by 2 weeks posttreatment (odds ratio, 0.52). Wives/girlfriends and caregivers of patients with complications were more likely to report these concerns.Conclusions 
    Inguinal hernia and its repair significantly affect informal caregivers. Caregivers assumed the heaviest time and effort-related burden 2 weeks following hernia repair and expended additional effort if the patient experienced complications. Interventions should reflect when burden is greatest and target the subgroups of caregivers who most need support.
SN  - 0004-0010
M3  - doi: 10.1001/archsurg.141.9.925
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/archsurg.141.9.925
ER  -