Impact of health interventions on informal caregivers: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Background

Chronic noncommunicable diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide, affecting the quality of life of patients and their informal caregivers.

Aim

To assess the impact of health interventions on informal caregivers and compare the results with standard care.

Methods

A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised clinical trials identified from six databases was conducted. We included intervention studies by a healthcare team for caregivers of persons with chronic noncommunicable diseases. The risk of bias was assessed using a risk-of-bias tool, and the meta-analysis was conducted using the software Review Manager. The certainty of the evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation.

Findings

Ten articles were selected, which included 1088 participants (average age of 55 years). A meta-analysis was performed with four studies using the same evaluation instrument (Zarit Burden Interview).

Discussion

Interventions to decrease caregiver overload were assessed through the effect estimation of the mean score of the Zarit Burden Interview of −5 (95% confidence interval, p < 0.00001).

Conclusion

The findings show a gap in the knowledge about interventions and analyses of quality of life, social support, and caregiver roles. Conducting further methodologically rigorous research to yield valid results is essential for ensuring the well-being of informal caregivers and reducing their burden and overload.