Relationship between caregiver burden and health-related quality of life

This study tested the cross-sectional relationship between caregiver burden and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among 1,594 caregivers of veter ans identified to qualify for formal home care. A two-stage model found tha t familial relationship, coresidence, and low income predicted objective bu rden. Coresidence also predicted subjective burden, whereas being African A merican was protective. in the full model, spousal relationship, low income , and burden were associated with poor HRQOL scores. Total variance explain ed in HRQOL ranged from 14% to 29%, with objective burden contributing more than subjective burden. These findings suggest a direct effect of objectiv e burden on caregiver HRQOL, indicating a need among caregivers for assista nce in caring for disabled family members.