TY - JOUR
T1 - The impact of caring on caregivers of patients with life-threatening organ failure
AU - Kurita, Geana Paula
AU - Eidemak, Inge
AU - Larsen, Sille
AU - Jeppesen, Palle Bekker
AU - Antonsen, Louise Bangsgaard
AU - Molsted, Stig
AU - Liem, Ylian Serina
AU - Pressler, Tania
AU - Sjøgren, Per
PY - 2024
Y1 - 2024
N2 - OBJECTIVES: This 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.METHODS: Three 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.RESULTS: The 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 RESULTS: Caregivers 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.
AB - OBJECTIVES: This 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.METHODS: Three 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.RESULTS: The 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 RESULTS: Caregivers 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.
KW - Caregiver
KW - Caregiver burden
KW - Coping behaviour
KW - Palliative care
KW - Quality of life
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85198925243&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1017/S1478951523000469
DO - 10.1017/S1478951523000469
M3 - Journal article
C2 - 37185060
SN - 1478-9515
VL - 22
SP - 331
EP - 337
JO - Palliative & supportive care
JF - Palliative & supportive care
IS - 2
ER -