Burden and coping strategies among Jordanian caregivers of patients undergoing hemodialysis

Abstract

Recent studies reported hemodialysis patients' sufferings from physical and psychosocial issues, but few studies reported family-caregiver burdens. This study aims to explore the burdens and coping strategies of caregivers of patients receiving hemodialysis. Caregivers of patients undergoing hemodialysis (n = 139) at 3 dialysis units were given 3 forms: Caregiver and Patient Characteristics, Oberst Caregiving Burden Scale Difficulty Subscale, and Ways of Coping Questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, correlational analysis, and multiple regression analysis were performed. The Oberst Caregiving Burden Scale was significantly related to self-controlling (r = 0.20) and seeking social support (r = 0.17). Caregiver burden was positively and significantly correlated with self-controlling coping subscale, with t = 1.10, P = 0.05, and β = 0.25. Living with the patient was the only variable that was a significant predictor of burden, with t = 2.96, P = 0.00, and β = 0.331. Living with patients predicted caregiver burden, and the burden scale correlated with self-controlling. The findings contribute to the evidence on the adverse health effects of caregivers of patients receiving hemodialysis. This study suggests that nursing interventions should target caregiver knowledge for better coping.

Keywords: Burden; caregiver; coping; end-stage renal disease; hemodialysis; stress.