The Impact of Hemodialysis on Primary Family Caregivers; A Study on Caregiver Burden in Balochistan, Pakistan

Zarafshan Khan; Jhanzaib Khan; Ashfaq Altaf; Mahzaib Murad; Ghazala Mahfooz; Arooj Ashiq

doi:10.53778/pjkd103379

Автор(и)

Zarafshan Khan Quetta Institute of Medical Sciences , National University of Medical Sciences
Jhanzaib Khan Quetta Institute of Medical Sciences , National University of Medical Sciences
Ashfaq Altaf Quetta Institute of Medical Sciences , National University of Medical Sciences
Mahzaib Murad Quetta Institute of Medical Sciences , National University of Medical Sciences
Ghazala Mahfooz Quetta Institute of Medical Sciences , National University of Medical Sciences
Arooj Ashiq Quetta Institute of Medical Sciences , National University of Medical Sciences

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.53778/pjkd103379

Ключові слова:

hemodialysis, caregiver burden, end stage kidney disease,

Анотація

Background: The study assessed quality of life in terms of health and care of informal caregivers of people with end-stage kidney disease.

Methods: An observational correctional study was conducted over six months at a tertiary care hospital in Quetta, Balochistan, involving 67 caregivers of chronic kidney disease stage five (CKD-5) patients. Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI) assessed caregiver burden and a one-way ANOVA compared ZBI scores with sociodemographic factors.

Results: Of 67 caregivers that ranged from 23 to 67 years, and the 51-60 years age group representing the largest proportion at 31.3%, ZBI mean score came to be 38.4 with majority of participants (76.1%) experiencing moderate to severe burden. No significant differences in caregiver burden were observed across age groups or education levels by one-way ANOVA, nor by gender or marital status on t-testing (p > 0.05); age also showed no correlation with burden (r = 0.08, p = 0.52). However, chi-square analysis showed a marginal association between marital status and burden categories (χ² = 3.42, p = 0.065), with slightly higher high-burden prevalence among married caregivers.

Conclusion: Caregiver burden among informal caregivers of CKD-5 patients was predominantly moderate to severe, with a high mean ZBI score, highlighting a substantial impact on caregiver well-being. Sociodemographic factors showed no significant influence on burden levels, suggesting that caregiver strain is widespread and not confined to specific groups, underscoring the need for targeted support systems and interventions for all caregivers in this setting.