‘Evaluation Of Burden Of Primary Informal Caregivers Of Dialysis, Cancer, And Schizophrenia Patients Using Burden Scale For Family Caregivers’

Abstract

Background: - As the number of people suffering from chronic diseases continues to increase, the health care system is shifting from hospital to community and family. Informal caregivers are considered to be the mainstay of health and social care delivery in countries throughout the world. The duty of caregiving adds additional responsibilities to the daily life of caregivers, requiring their time, attention and energy. Caregiving has both negative and positive impacts on the caregiver’s life.

Objective:- This study was conducted to evaluate caregiver burden and its predictors in caregivers of dialysis, cancer and schizophrenia patients. The results were then analysed using statistical analysis. 

Materials And Methodology:- This study was a cross-sectional survey conducted by collecting responses via circulating an online form. The form consisted of general questions and Burden Scale for Family Caregivers (BSFC). 

Result:- The average burden experienced by Dialysis patients is 38.59 ± 8.79 Cancer patients’ average burden is 40.03 ± 9.39, and dialysis patients’ average burden is 3.33 ± 4.27, indicating moderate burden with increased risk of psychosomatic symptoms. Correlates of Dialysis caregiver burden are QOL and duration of patient illness. The correlate of cancer burden is QOL.