OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study are: assess the burden of care and quality of life among family caregivers of patients undergoing hemodialysis at the Renal Unit of the UP-PGH Medical Center; describe the socio-demographic data of these family caregivers and the association of this data with burden of care; and describe the association between burden of care and quality of life. METHODS: This is a hospital based cross-sectional study conducted at the Renal Unit of the UP-PGH Medical Center from October 1, 2002- November 28, 2002, using the WHO Burden Assessment Schedule in Pilipino and the PGH-DOH Quality of Life Scale, also in Pilipino. RESULTS: This study showed that most of the caregivers are in the 21-60 years age range, married, female, unemployed, roman catholic, either a parent or a spouse, with either a high school or college level of education. Burden was significantly correlated with location of patient and the presence of illness among caregivers. Quality of life was generally high. There was no correlation between burden of care and quality of life. To some extent there was a negative impact on the marital relationship, which may be due to the fact that the illness of the patient and the strain of caregiving may have prevented the spouses from fulfilling their marital roles. However, these caregivers felt appreciated to some extent and more, by their patients, relatives and friends, which may account for the decreased feeling of burden and good quality of life. Caregiver burden was greater among those whose patients were confined, signifying possible deterioration, additional expenses and time spent caring for the patient. Burden was also experienced more by caregivers who were ill themselves, probably due to their own physical limitations and the added expenses that their own illness entailed. CONCLUSION: The BAS scores of the caregivers without spouses, correlated with the location of patient and the presence of illness among caregivers. The BAS scores of those with spouses correlated with sex, location of patient and the presence of illness among caregivers.
Human ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Adult ; QUALITY OF LIFE ; CAREGIVERS ; RENAL DIALYSIS