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This study explored the association of disagreement in the perception of patient disability between patients and family caregivers with physical and psychological quality of life (QOL) in both parties. A cross-sectional analysis of data collected from male stroke patients and family caregivers was conducted. Physical and psychological QOL in patients and caregivers were measured using the WHOQOL BREF. Perceptions of patient disability were measured using the 12-item WHO Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 (DAS). Using DAS scores reported independently by patients and caregivers, dyads were categorized into one of four groups representing agreement or disagreement about patient disability. Generalized estimating equations were used to examine the associations between WHOQOL scores in patients and caregivers and these four groups. Among 56 dyads enrolled, approximately 52% were categorized into 'agreement' groups and 48% were categorized into 'disagreement' groups. The disagreement in perception about patient disability were significantly associated with poor patient physical QOL. However, the disagreement in perception were not significantly associated with caregiver QOL. Findings suggest the association of disagreement with QOL differs between patients and caregivers. Further research is needed to carefully appraise the relationship and interaction between patient and caregiver. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Approximately 6.2 million Americans aged 65 or older have Alzheimer's disease or related dementias (ADRD). Unpaid family members and friends provide the bulk of caregiving for these individuals. Caregiving in rural areas adds unique challenges, particularly for ethnically/racially diverse caregivers. This study provides a profile of diverse, rural ADRD caregivers with an emphasis on multi-level factors that influence physical and mental health. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 156 diverse rural ADRD caregivers. Results: 65% of participants identified as White/Non-Hispanic (WNH; n = 101) and 35% identified as ethnically/racially diverse (ERD; n = 55). The majority of participants reported economic deprivation. More ERD caregivers were uninsured and had at least one chronic health condition. Higher proportions of ERD caregivers smoked cigarettes, consumed alcohol regularly, and had not seen or talked to a doctor in the previous year. There were no ethnic/racial group differences in stress, anxiety, depressive symptoms, subjective health, or sleep quality. Conclusion: Rural caregivers, regardless of ethnicity/race, may benefit from extra supports in order to maintain optimal health. Further research is needed to disentangle the complex relationship between culture, caregiving, and health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]