A Study to Assess Care-Giver Burden and Quality of Life amongst Care-Givers of Patients Undergoing Periodic Haemodialysis
Author(s): Ankan Paul*, Lakshmi Prabha and Raj Kumar
Abstract
Introduction: A “care-giver” is a person who caters to the needs of another person with limitations due to illness, injury or disability. Excessive care-giver burden causes deterioration of health of care-giver, which in turn affects the patient. So, it is important to prevent build-up of care-giver burden for which it is necessary to understand factors affecting it.
Materials and methods: It is a cross sectional study done in the nephrology outpatient department. Socio demographic details, ZBI (Zant Burden Interview) and Wl to QOL BREF scale was used to assess the caregiver burden and QOL.
Results: Out of 60, 37% and 67% male and female participants respectively. There is a negative correlation between WHOQOL (BREF) and HADS and HARS score which is significant. ZBI score (care giver burden score) was highest for participants caregiving period of >5-10 years.
Conclusion: This study concludes that the care-giver wishes to be furnished with proper social aid and training concerning coping skills as the duration of caregiving period increases.