Burden on Caregivers of ESRD Patients on Dialysis Waiting for Kidney Transplantation in a Tertiary Care Hospital

Abstract

End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) is a devastating medical, social and economic problem for patients and their families. These patients depend on their family caregivers to assist them with their daily living needs. The aim of this study was to assess extent of burden experienced by caregivers of ESRD patients on dialysis waiting for kidney transplantation in PGIMER, Chandigarh. This was an exploratory study conducted on 91 caregivers of ESRD patients who visited on outdoor basis. Data was collected by the interview. The internal consistency of the tool was tested by Cronbach’s alpha that was 0.82. Caregivers were mostly female spouses with mean age 40.20±11.42 years and without paid employment. The mean duration of being primary caregiver was 20.8±12.4 months. Majority of caregivers experienced severe financial burden and had moderate psychological burden. Multiple regression analysis showed independent and significant predictors of caregiver burden which were being female spouses, duration of waiting for more than 12 months, low monthly income, unemployed and duration of being primary caregiver for more than 12 months. Caregivers required health checkups, psychological counselling, financial assistance, involvement in recreational activities and adequate information to reduce their burden. Appropriate interventions and support services should be implemented to decrease burden among caregivers of ESRD patients.