Assessing Caregiver Burden in Patients Pursuing Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery with Dual Roles as Patients and Caregivers.

BACKGROUND: The psychological evaluation for patients preparing for metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) involves screening for psychosocial factors including depression, anxiety, and quality of life. Psychosocial factors may be exacerbated for patients who also serve as caregivers. The primary aim of the study was to examine relationships between caregiver burden, caregiver roles, and psychosocial factors (caregiver burden, depression, anxiety, eating habits, and alcohol use severity), among pre-surgical patients pursuing MBS who identified as having dual roles as a patient (pursuing MBS) and a caregiver. The secondary aim was to assess if caregiver burden in patients who were pursuing MBS was associated and/or predictive of psychosocial variables.

METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study of patients evaluated for MBS at a university hospital between November 2021 and November 2023. Demographics and psychosocial variables were collected during a routine pre-surgical psychological evaluation.

RESULTS: 916 adults completed the pre-surgical psychological evaluation, of which 267 had a dual role as caregiver and a pre-surgical patient pursuing MBS. Caregiver burden was associated with psychosocial variables and was predictive of disinhibited eating. However, we found no group differences in caregiver burden or any other psychosocial factors.

CONCLUSION: Preliminary results suggest the relevancy and importance of assessing caregiver status and subsequent burden during pre-surgical psychological evaluations. Future research is needed to examine whether caregiver burden or status relates to MBS outcomes.