Factors associated with carer strain in carers of people with multiple sclerosis

Purpose: To examine the factors associated with strain in carers of people with multiple sclerosis (MS). Method: People with MS were recruited from an MS management clinic. Demogra phic information, memory, executive function, attention/concentration, mood , disability and health of the person with MS, the carer's opinion of the c are-recipient's memory and disability, and the carer's mood were recorded. A postal questionnaire to identify factors associated with carer strain was sent to carers. A further questionnaire was sent to carers to examine the association between memory problems in people with MS and carer strain. Results: Problems with everyday memory and activities of daily living were found to be associated with carer strain. Strained carers perceived strain to be a consequence of the memory problems (p<0.01). Aspects of the memory problems related to carer strain were the amount of time a carer could spen d alone (p=0.01), the carer's mood and less sympathetic feelings towards th e person with MS (p<0.05). Strained carers had more desire for other people to help the person with MS deal with the memory problems by themselves tha n carers who were not under strain (p=0.03). Conclusion: Carer strain was associated with memory problems experienced by people with MS.