Caregiver burden among family caregivers of older patients receiving hemodialysis and its relevant factors

Abstract

Introduction: One of the issues that have drawn many attentions in recent years is the matter of caregiver burden among caregivers of patients with chronic illnesses. Objectives: The present study was carried out with the aim of studying the caregiver burden among caregivers of older patients receiving hemodialysis and its relevant factors. Patients and Methods: In the present study 52 caregivers of elderly patients receiving hemodialysis for this study were recruited. Data collection was carried out using a researcher-made demographic variables checklist and Novak and Guest Caregiver Burden Inventory (CBI). Results: The mean age of caregivers’ patients was 72.4 years. The mean total score of care burden was 57.9±20.1. Totally, 23.1%, 51.9% and 25% of the subjects had mild, moderate and severe level of burden respectively. Caregiver of ages, age of the elderlies and relationship status were effective factors on caregiver’s burden (P < 0.05). Conclusion: In the present study, caregivers of older patients receiving hemodialysis reported to have high levels of burden. This issue should be addressed especially by the health care teams that provide care for older patients receiving hemodialysis.