Evaluating the burden of caregivers of chronic hemodialysis patients

Abstract

Background: Chronic kidney disease demands continuous care, which affects the patients’ caregivers. Objectives: to evaluate the burden of these caregivers and to identify possible demographic and other determinants of it. Design: a cross-sectional study was conducted in the General Hospital of Argolis, in the Nursing Unit of Molaon as well as in two private clinics in Nafplio and Loutraki in Greece. The duration of the study was 3 months (December 2020-February 2021). Participants: the sample consisted of 250 caregivers. Measurements: a composite questionnaire was used, which included demographic information, care-related information and the Zarit Burden Interview. Results: the mean time of caregiving was 30 months, 6 days/week and 8 hours/day. The caregivers’ burden was not high enough. The highest score was recorded in the Personal Strain. Widows/widowers had higher score than single caregivers on Personal Strain (p=0.013) and on Deprived Relations (p=0.013). The number of caregiver’s children and hours per day on care were positively associated with Personal Strain, Role Strain and Deprived Relations. Days per week on care were positively associated with Personal Strain and Deprived Relations and the duration of the disease was positively associated with Management of Care. According to a linear regression analysis performed, the score on Role strain, Relationship strain and Management of Care was positively associated with the score on Personal Strain (p

Keywords

• Chronic kidney disease
• burden
• caregivers
• hemodialysis