Caregiver Burden of Patient with Guillain-Barré Syndrome: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Guillain–Barré Syndrome (GBS) is an acute autoimmune disorder affecting the peripheral nervous system and the leading cause of acute flaccid paralysis. The sudden onset and unpredictable recovery process place substantial physical, psychological, social, and financial strain on caregivers, leading to caregiver burden. Aim: The aim of the study was investigating the level of Caregiver Burden of Patient with Guillain-Barré Syndrome Methodology: A quantitative cross-sectional study design was used. The study was conducted in the neurology units and outpatient departments of the Centre for the Rehabilitation of the Paralysed (CRP) Savar (head office) and its branches. Results: The study findings revealed that caregiver burden was highly prevalent among the respondents. Based on the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI) scoring, 17.6% of caregivers experienced little or no burden, 35.2% had mild to moderate burden, 28.6% reported moderate to severe burden, and 18.6% experienced severe burden. Overall, 82.4% of caregivers experienced some degree of burden, with nearly 47.2% falling within the moderate to severe and severe categories combined. Female caregivers demonstrated higher burden levels compared to males. Additionally, caregivers from lower socio-economic backgrounds and those in the middle-aged group reported significantly higher burden scores. Statistical analysis showed a significant association between caregiver burden and selected socio-demographic variables (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The findings highlight the need for caregiver-focused interventions, psychosocial support, and policy-level initiatives to reduce the burden and improve the overall well-being of caregivers. Key words: Caregiver burden, Guillain-Barre Syndrome, ZBI, Primary Caregiver