A meta-analysis of the association between caregiver burden and the dependent's illness

The caregiver burden is frequently used to refer to the physical and psychological problems that may arise from caring for a dependent relative. We conducted a meta-analysis to see whether Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI) scores differed by dependent's pathology. Results from 125 studies showed that caregivers of individuals with a physical disability have an estimated mean ZBI score (+/- SE) of 27 +/- 2.6 - a score significantly lower than for caregivers of persons with dementia or cognitive impairment (34.1 +/- 1.1), mental illness (32.6 +/- 1.7), or Alzheimer's (32.5 +/- 1). Our analysis of Alzheimer's revealed differences among cases of mildly (25.8 +/- 5.2), moderately (35.6 +/- 7.8), and severely (42.6 +/- 7.9) afflicted dependents.