Sobrecarga del cuidador primario de pacientes con enfermedad renal crónica en terapia sustitutiva con hemodiálisis

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: Hemodialysis is a procedure in which the primary caregiver is not actively involved; however, he or she suffers emotional disturbances due to the workload of caring for the patient. Objective: Identify the prevalence of primary caregiver overload in renal replacement therapy with hemodialysis. Materials and methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study, January-December 2021, in a Regional General Hospital, among caregivers of patients with kidney disease on hemodialysis, over 18 years of age, both sexes. Caregivers who received payment for services was excluded. Their weight, height, blood pressure, sociodemographic variables and care time were measured, and the Zarit caregiver burden scale was applied for primary caregivers. Results: One hundred primary caregivers were surveyed (28% men, 72% women), with an average age of 49 ± 14.6 years. In the relationship, 40% children. Eighty-six per cent had been caregivers for more than six months. They presented mild (12%) and intense (7%) caregiver overload. Conclusions: Primary caregivers of patients on renal replacement therapy with hemodialysis assigned to the General Hospital of Zone No. 2, in Zacapu, Michoacan, has a prevalence of overload of 19%. This is presented in a considerable number of family members, hence the importance of addressing the mental and physical health not only of the patient but also of the primary caregiver.