Draaglastindex

Draaglastindex, literally meaning “burden index” in Dutch, is a statistical indicator used to quantify the perceived burden borne by individuals or groups. The concept is applied in social sciences, public health, and policy analysis to combine multiple dimensions of load into a single score. Common applications include caregiver burden, household time-use strain, occupational workload, and the economic or health-related consequences of social care responsibilities.

Construction and methodology typically involve survey data. Components may cover time spent on caregiving or tasks, physical or emotional strain, financial costs, impact on social life, and exposure to risk. Each item is measured on a standardized scale and then combined to form the index, using equal weights or weights derived from factor analysis or expert judgment. The final score is often rescaled to a 0–100 range, with higher values indicating greater perceived burden.

Interpretation and use revolve around comparison and monitoring. Researchers use the draaglastindex to compare populations, track changes over time, or evaluate interventions aimed at reducing burden. It can support policy assessments by highlighting areas where burden is rising or concentrated among specific groups.

Limitations and considerations include measurement bias, cultural and contextual differences in interpreting burden, and sensitivity to question wording. The index may not capture coping strategies, resilience, or duration of burden, and cross-cultural comparability can be challenging. The draaglastindex is related to caregiver burden scales, workload indicators, and broader social indicators, offering a composite view of perceived load within a population.