Table 3 Caregiver and caregiver-reported MS characteristics
Characteristic | Distribution | ||
|---|---|---|---|
Length of time as caregiver (years) | Mean (SD) | 9.57 (8.47) | |
Length of time individual has had MS (years) | Mean (SD) | 14.93 (12.83) | |
Type of MS | Relapsing Remitting MS (RRMS) | N (%) | 50 (25.0%) |
Secondary Progressive MS (SPMS) | 87 (43.5%) | ||
Primary Progressive MS (PPMS) | 63 (31.5%) | ||
PDDS Level* | 0 | N (%) | 12 (6.0%) |
1 | 16 (8.0%) | ||
2 | 15 (7.5%) | ||
3 | 9 (4.5%) | ||
4 | 20 (10.0%) | ||
5 | 26 (13.0%) | ||
6 | 27 (13.5%) | ||
7 | 62 (31.0%) | ||
8 | 13 (6.5%) | ||
Relationship between caregiver and individual with MS | Partner/Spouse | N (%) | 153 (76.5%) |
Parent | 13 (6.5%) | ||
Child | 4 (2.0%) | ||
Family Other | 19 (9.5%) | ||
Friend | 11 (5.5%) | ||
Live with the person you provide care for? | Yes | N (%) | 168 (84.0%) |
Number of hours a day providing care | 1 - 4 | N (%) | 55 (27.5%) |
5 - 9 | 46 (23.0%) | ||
10 - 24 | 99 (49.5%) | ||
Help with activities of daily living | Getting in/out of bed | N (%) | 116 (58.0%) |
Dressing | 116 (58.0%) | ||
Washing | 102 (51.0%) | ||
Cooking | 157 (78.5%) | ||
Eating | 59 (29.5%) | ||
Getting around inside the home | 104 (52.0%) | ||
Getting around outside the home | 156 (78.0%) | ||
Help with caregiving? | None | N | 93 |
Friends/Relatives | 85 | ||
External formal care giver | 51 | ||