Burden of COPD among Family Caregivers.
10.4046/trd.2010.69.6.434
- Author:
Jeong Hwa KIM
1
;
Eun Kyung KIM
;
Sun Hyung PARK
;
Kyung Ae LEE
;
Yong Il HWANG
;
Eun Ji KIM
;
Seung Hun JANG
;
Sung Hoon PARK
;
Chang Youl LEE
;
Myung Goo LEE
;
Ji Yeon LEE
;
Dong Gyu KIM
;
Ki Suck JUNG
Author Information
1. Graduate School of Social Welfare, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Korea.
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive;
Family Nursing;
Cost of Illness
- MeSH:
Caregivers;
Cost of Illness;
Family Nursing;
Financial Support;
Humans;
Nursing Services;
Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive;
Surveys and Questionnaires;
Risk Factors;
Social Class
- From:Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
2010;69(6):434-441
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major health problem resulting in significant burden for patients and families. However, family caregivers' burden has not been well recognized. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the level of caregivers' burden and to explore the related factors based on family, patient, and social support factors. METHODS: A face-to-face interview with 86 family caregivers who had been taking care of COPD patients was conducted. The participants answered a self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire included the level of family caregivers' burden, health status and the relationship within the family, functional limitation of patients perceived by family caregivers and the social support. RESULTS: The level of caregivers' burden among participants was considerably high. Risk factors for caregivers' burden included low educational level of family caregivers, low family income, hours of caregiving, and functional limitation of the patients. Protective factors for caregivers' burden were good relationship within the family and support from other family members or friends. CONCLUSION: It is proved that family caregivers are facing significant burden in taking care of COPD patients. To reduce family caregivers' burden, it is necessary to address socioeconomic status of the family and to provide various community resources including financial support and nursing services.
