Sobrecarga en cuidadores primarios informales de pacientes en cuidados paliativos: Un estudio transversal

Abstract

Introduction: Overload can impact multiple aspects in the life of primary caregivers of patients with advanced disease. Characterizing its frequency and associated factors could help develop strategies to mitigate it. Objective: To assess overload levels and associated factors in informal primary caregivers of adult patients in the palliative care unit of a public hospital in Mexico. Method: A descriptive cross-sectional study with consecutive sampling was carried out between January and April 2019. Informal primary caregivers of adult patients in palliative care participated. Those who were in a hurry or did not want to participate were excluded. Overload (primary outcome variable) was evaluated using the Zarit Burden Interview; additionally, a questionnaire of sociodemographic data and other variables related to caregiver interests and the characteristics of the care provided was completed by the participants. A descriptive analysis of the variables and their associations with the presence of overload was conducted. Results: The study enrolled 141 caregivers, 24.11% of which were diagnosed with overload. The variables that showed a significant association with overload (p < 0.05), increasing the probability of occurrence, were perception of the severity of the patient's condition, and negative impact on different areas of the caregiver's life (family, partner, economy). Caregivers with a lower potential for overload included those who took on the role of caregiver for affective reasons, who indulged in pleasant activities, who were good at self-care (physical activity, food, hygiene, and health), and who had a good relation with the patient. The variables of a “negative impact on the family”, “relationship with the patient” and “self-care in physical activity” combined showed the greatest association with the risk of overload. Conclusions: The prevalence of overload was lower than that reported in other studies. The variables associated with overload suggest that interventions focused on self-care, problem-solving training, promotion of pleasant activities, and favoring an adequate relationship between caregiver and patient would be beneficial. The main limitations of our research were the type of study and how the sample was selected.