[The family burden in chronic diseases. The study of validity and reproducibility of the questionnaire on the impact of the chronic disease on the family (IMPAT)].

Objective: The "Questionario sull'Impatto della Malattia Cronica sulla Famiglia" (IMPAT) ("Impact-on-Family Scale", by Stein & Reissman) in its Italian version (by Casari & Fantino, modified) has been used to evaluate family burden in relatives of chronic patients with cancer, chronic patients with other internistic pathology and acute patients. The aims of the study were to evaluate validity and reliability of the Impat and to compare family burden and anxoius/depressive symptoms in the three groups of relatives.

Method: 35 relatives of cancer patients, 20 relatives of patients with chronic, non neoplastic illness and 20 relatives of acute patients were studied. 85% of relatives of cancer patients was assisted continuously by volunteers and psychiatrists with regard to their psychological problems. Impat questionnaire, Beck Depression Inventory and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory were used for psychological evaluation.

Results: Validity of the Impat was confirmed. Mean scores from relatives of chronic patients were higher than scores from relatives of acute patients (ANOVA, f = 38.0; df = 2,72; p < 0.0001). Test-retest analysis was satisfactory (Person's test, N = 20 r = 0.77, p < 0.0001). Both groups of relatives of chronic patients showed higher level of anxious-depressive symptoms compared to relatives of acute subjects. No differences were found between relatives of neoplastic and non neoplastic chronic patients.

Conclusions: The italian version of Impat has been confirmed as a useful and simple means of evaluation of family burden in this context. Psychosocial support seems to reduce distress in relatives of cancer patients.