Ability to care, perceived overload and quality of life of the caregiver of dialysis patients

Abstract

Introduction: Chronic kidney disease represents a global health problem, the complexity of the disease and renal replacement therapies generate a functional deterioration and alteration in the capacity for care in the person, which is why caregivers are essential. Objective: To describe the characteristics of the caregivers of dialysis people, and analyze the association between the ability to care, the perceived burden and the quality of life of these caregivers. Material and Method: Descriptive cross-sectional study. Four instruments were used: Survey characterization care dyad family caregiver, Caring Ability Inventory, Quality of Life Instrument and Zarit Overload Scale. Results: 68 caregivers participated, mainly women (77.94%), with a low level of ability to care, negative impact on the physical, social and spiritual dimensions of quality of life, the majority presented an absence of overload. A significant association was found between the ability to care and quality of life, and perceived overload with the physical and social dimensions of quality of life (p <0.05). Conclusion: The care of dialysis people was developed mainly by women, it is necessary to generate strategies to improve care skills, which is affected by the impact on quality of life and levels of caregiver burden.