NURE Investigación (Mar 2012)
Emotional and social perception of main caregiver in a rural health district
Abstract
Cross-sectional observational study of 50 caregivers of dependent patient immobilized. We analyzed the sociodemographic characteristics, type and characteristics of care, social, emotional and quality of life of main caregivers. Sociodemographic and care characteristics related to dependent patient immobilized was also studied. Objective: Describing the profile of dependent patient immobilized and their caregiver, and the emotional and social characteristics perceived by the main caregiver. Results: The age of dependent patient immobilized is rising particulary in women, with mental deterioration and dementia as principal diseases. The most of main caregivers are women, married women and daughters of dependent patient immobilized patients, with primary studies, in the middle age. They work almost the complete day in patient care, having less than two hour for themselves. The lack of money is the principal need felt it. The most of caregivers suffer mild to moderate stress and higher anxiety levels than general population, especially in females. Caregiver perceived quality of life is lower than general population too. Conclusions: To know the profile of dependent patient immobilized patient´s caregiver and the factors perceived burden caregiver´s, it is important developing interventions and plans to improve their quality of life related to health in order to reduce the syndrome of main caregiver.
