Quality of Life among Family Caregivers of Patients with Chronic Liver Disease
Deborah Lalhmangaihhlui, Hepsi RajuAbstract
Background:
In India, the majority of chronically ill patients rely on family members/unpaid caregivers for their needs. Studies have reported various concerns among caregivers, including not being able to meet the family’s basic needs, inability to seek medical health for their own physical health needs and caregiving burden, especially in chronic illness. Caregivers of chronic liver disease (CLD) experience a huge caregiving burden, affecting their quality of life (QOL). There is a growing need for research to identify the QOL of family caregivers of patients with CLD.
Objectives:
To assess the QOL of family caregivers of patients with CLD, and to identify the relationship between socio-demographic and clinical variables and QOL.
Methods:
Twenty-six family caregivers who met the inclusion criteria were recruited through a consecutive sampling technique from a gastroenterology ward. QOL was obtained using the adult carer QOL questionnaire by interviews.
Results:
An equal proportion (50%) of family caregivers reported a high and moderate overall QOL. Although overall QOL was not low, QOL was low in the money matters and caring choice domains. High QOL was found in the domains of carer satisfaction, ability to care and caring stress, and moderate QOL was reported in the domains of personal growth and support for care. A highly significant relationship was identified between the marital status and QOL.
Conclusion:
This study identified the need for support systems, counselling, better communication between health care professionals and family caregivers, navigation for financial aid, cost-effective treatment and interventions to reduce caregiving stress and burden, thereby improving the overall QOL of Family caregivers of CLD.