The burden of Alzheimer’s caregivers and social support in the Tunisian family

Abstract Background Alzheimer is a pathology that concers the patient and his family having physical, social, economic psychological impact. Research on caregivers still lacking little known about burden ist associated factors in Tunisia. The aim of this study were to describe caregiver among Tunisian patients with alzheimeŕs disease, its relationship social support. Methods We conducted cross-sectional 118 during three months at neurology outpatient departments two university hospitals. Sahloul, Sousse Taher Sfar, Mahdia. Using Zarit Burden Interview-22 (ZBI)items Medical Outcome Study-Social Support Survey assess support caregivers. Results included Alzheimeŕs disease,with an average age 45±15 years. Women more predominant sex ratio 0.57.Half descent patients. Mean years caregiving was 5±3 13 hours ±3 care assistance per day. mean ZBI Score 38.4±18.5 16.1% percived severe burden. higher female, retired, lowmsocio status rural area statistically significance difference. found highly correlated (p < 0.001,r=-0.41)indicating high level asoociated less Conclusions who are caring for disease high. A considerate help from helth institutions required by taking into account contribute considering importance alleviating Key messages High