Description

The Caregiver Burden Scale (CBS-22) is a psychometric tool designed to assess the burden experienced by caregivers who provide care to individuals with chronic illnesses, disabilities, or other conditions that require ongoing support. This scale helps in understanding the emotional, physical, and social strain that caregivers might experience in their role.
Scope: The CBS-22 evaluates various dimensions of caregiver burden, including emotional stress, physical strain, financial impact, and social consequences.
Dimensions: It includes items that assess the frequency and severity of caregiver burden, as well as the impact on the caregiver’s quality of life.

Data Analysis and Usage

The analysis of data from the Caregiver Burden Scale (CBS-22) involves:
Data Collection: Administering the questionnaire to caregivers and collecting their responses on various aspects of burden.
Scoring: Calculating scores based on responses to the scale’s items, which reflect different aspects of caregiver burden.
Interpretation: Analyzing scores to understand the level of burden experienced by caregivers, identifying areas of high stress, and assessing how the burden affects their overall well-being.
Application: Using the results to guide support interventions, resource allocation, and counseling for caregivers, aiming to reduce burden and improve caregiver quality of life.

Objectives

The main objectives of the Caregiver Burden Scale (CBS-22) are:
Assessment of Caregiver Burden: To measure the extent and nature of burden experienced by caregivers, including emotional, physical, and social aspects.
Identification of High Burden Areas: To identify specific areas where caregivers experience the most strain, allowing for targeted support and intervention.
Support Planning: To assist in the development of support programs and resources tailored to the needs of caregivers, improving their quality of life and well-being.

Calibration

The calibration of the Caregiver Burden Scale (CBS-22) includes:
Scoring: Each item is scored based on the caregiver’s responses, with higher scores indicating greater burden.
Statistical Analysis: Analyzing the data to ensure the reliability and validity of the scale, and comparing scores with normative data or benchmarks.
Normative Data: Comparing individual scores with normative data to interpret the caregiver’s burden in relation to a broader population of caregivers.

Bibliography

Zarit, S. H., Reever, K. E., & Bach-Peterson, J. (1980). Relatives of the impaired elderly: Correlates of feelings of burden. Journal of Applied Gerontology, 1(1), 91-106.
Boss, P., & Kaplan, B. (2000). Caregiving: A review of the literature. In R. P. Smith & M. J. Smith (Eds.), Caregiving for the Elderly: A Handbook for Practitioners. Routledge.
Montgomery, R. J. V., & Kosloski, K. (2002). Caregiving and the older adult: New perspectives. In T. S. McDaniel & J. W. O’Neill (Eds.), Caregiving: A Research Perspective. Oxford University Press.
Parker, M. W., & Kitchener, K. S. (2007). The measurement of caregiver burden: A review. In P. B. Kogan & L. D. Hynes (Eds.), Advances in Caregiving Research. Academic Press.
McCullough, C., & Tabb, S. (2005). Caregiver Burden and Quality of Life: Theoretical Perspectives and Assessment Tools. Journal of Family Issues, 26(5), 754-772.