Characteristics of Burden, Coping Strategies, and Quality of Life: The Effect of Age, Gender, and Social Variables in Caregivers of Renal Transplanted Patients from Southern Andhra Pradesh, India

BACKGROUND: Evaluation of burden, coping strategies, and quality of life (QOL) in caregivers may lead to specific interventions to reduce the burden among caregivers. METHODS: In this prospective study, characteristics of burden, coping strategies, and QOL in caregivers was investigated and also studied the effect of age, gender, and social variables on these concepts. RESULTS: Mean burden score of the caregivers was 28.66 ± 2.02. Thirty percent of caregivers had mild-to-moderate burden followed by moderate-to-severe burden (20%). Seeking social support was the dominant coping strategy used by the caregivers. Role limitations due to the physical health (RLDPH) and role limitations due to emotional problem (RLDEP) were compromised subscales of QOL. The mean score of RLDPH (P = 0.007) and RLDEP (P = 0.014) were found to be significantly higher in males than that of females. Marital status, education, type of relationship with the patient, religion, occupation, and duration of care giving showed significant effect on burden, coping strategies, and QOL. Lower emotional well-being (P = 0.003) and escape avoidance (P = 0.000) in males and lower physical component (PC) (P = 0.002) in females and lower PC (P = 0.000) and escape avoidance (P = 0.001) were found to be the significant predictors of burden in caregivers of renal transplanted patients. CONCLUSION: Predictors of burden and QOL subscales varies by gender. Social and clinical variables influence the QOL subscales. Gender- and social group-specific interventions rather than global interventions may reduce the burden of caregivers.