Nivel de funcionalidad de los enfermos crónicos y su relación con la calidad de vida de los cuidadores informales, Villavicencio, Colombia, 2011

Abstract

Objective: To examine the relationship between chronic patients' functionality level and the quality of life of their informal caregivers. Method: An observational cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out. The sample (n=180) was collected from patients caregivers volunteers registered in the Program of Chronic Illnesses of six local health units at the municipality of Villavicencio. Functionality level was measured using PULSES profile, Gardner version. Quality of life was measured by Ferrell's Quality of Life family version. Results: An association OR=1,23) between decreased functionality level among the patients and decreased quality of life among the caregivers was found, although did not reach statistical significance. A significant association was identified between upper limbs function deterioration (OR 2,25), excretory functions deterioration (OR 2,31) and of the support factors (OR=2,13) and decreased in the psychological dimension of caregivers' quality of life. Conclusions: Caregivers' quality of life is affected by deterioration on functionality level of those chronic patients who are taken care for. Evaluation and follow-up of quality of life level among caregivers' would improve self-care awareness and ability for informal care. ©Servicio de Publicaciones - Universidad de Murcia.