Competência do cuidar e seu impacto na qualidade de vida de cuidadores

Abstract

Abstract Objective To describe the relationship between the quality of life of caregivers and their competence of caring for a person hospitalized with a chronic condition. Methods Quantitative, descriptive, correlation and cross-sectional study, with a convenience sample. Participants of this study were 102 caregivers of people hospitalized in a health institution, located in Neiva, Huila, Colombia. Three instruments were used for data collection: Caregiver-patient characterization survey, Caregiver’s quality of life, and Homecare competency. Results Caregivers were mainly women (74.5%), with a negative perception of social and spiritual well-being, and a positive perception of psychological and physical well-being. A correlation was found between psychological and spiritual well-being. The dimensions of the Homecare competency instrument were related to the psychological, social, and spiritual well-being of quality of life, but they were not related to physical well-being. Conclusion This study shows that the feminization of caregivers persists, along with the dedication for long periods of time to the care of the sick person, thus affecting the social and spiritual well-being of quality of life. In face of this scenario, it is important to keep high scores in the different dimensions of the Homecare competency instrument to improve the quality of life of caregivers and prevent overload.