Abstract
ObjectivesThis study aimed at characterizing 3 populations of family/friend caregivers of patients with different life-threatening organ failure regarding health-related quality of life, caregiver burden, and dyadic coping. MethodsThree cross-sectional (population) studies were conducted at a tertiary hospital in Denmark (2019-2020). Patients with renal failure (RF), cystic fibrosis (CF), and intestinal failure (IF) were asked to designate the closest person with >= 18 years old involved in the care (caregiver) to participate in this study. Number of caregivers included were RF = 78, CF = 104, and IF = 73. Electronic questionnaires were filled in by caregivers to assess health-related quality of life and caregiver burden and by caregivers and respective patients to assess dyadic coping. ResultsThe 3 caregiver groups had self-perception of poor health and energy; however, caregivers of CF patients perceived their physical role functioning better than those caregiving for RF and IF patients (p = 0.002). The level of caregiver burden was reported as not high, but caregivers used in average 13 hours/day for caring. Moreover, cleaning tasks (p = 0.005) and personal care (p = 0.009) were more demanding in RF and IF patients. Caregivers also did not differ regarding dyadic coping. When comparing patients and caregivers, stress communication by oneself and the partner differed (p < 0.001). Significance of resultsCaregivers spent many hours in the care role, they reported poor health, and dyadic coping may be improved. Interventions in caregivers of patients with life-threatening organ failure could help to improve care management at home, caregiver's health, and dyadic coping between caregiver and patient and consequently reduce caregiver burden.
Original language | English |
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Journal | Palliative & Supportive Care |
Volume | 22 |
Issue number | 2 |
Number of pages | 7 |
ISSN | 1478-9515 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2024 |
Keywords
- Caregiver
- Caregiver burden
- Palliative care
- Quality of life
- Coping behaviour
- QUALITY-OF-LIFE
- PARENTERAL-NUTRITION PATIENTS
- FAMILY-MEMBERS
- MALE PARTNERS
- BURDEN
- DEPRESSION
- CANCER
- METAANALYSIS
- ANXIETY
- ADULTS