Caregiver Burden among Caregivers of Patient Undergoing Hemodialysis in Tertiary Care Center : A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study

INTRODUCTION: Chronic kidney disease affects almost all aspects of life of the patients and caregivers. Dialysis is a common treatment modality for chronic renal failure. The caregivers of patients undergoing hemodialysis bear the emotional and psychological stress of having a chronically ill patient. The physical and psychological distress, limitations in personal and social activities, loss of freedom, financial limitations directly or indirectly affect the level of burden among caregivers. This study aims to study the level of burden among caregivers of patient undergoing hemodialysis. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study among 123 caregivers giving care to hemodialysis patients for at least 3 months at Teaching Hospitals, Chitwan was carried out using simple random sampling technique. Level of burden was evaluated using the burden questionnaire (Zarit Burden Interview). RESULTS: The study revealed that 60 (48.78%) had mild to moderate, 53 (43.08%) had moderate to severe. The median scores for burden among the caregivers was (39.30±11.68) with 44.65%. CONCLUSIONS: Coping Strategies, social support, support interventions has greater impact on caregivers in achieving their roles in caring the patients and increases the capability to cope effectively with the patient's condition.