Abstract

PINZON - ROCHA, María L; APONTE - GARZON, Luz H  and  GALVIS - LOPEZ, Clara R. Chronic patients' caregivers profile and quality of life, Villavicencio, Meta, 2011. Orinoquia [online]. 2012, vol.16, n.2, pp.107-117. ISSN 0121-3709.

A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in order to describe informal caregivers' profile and the relation with their quality of life. The participants (n=180) were selected by non-probabilistic method, from chronic patients' informal caregivers registered in the Promotion and Prevention Program for Chronic Adults at the municipality of Villavicencio, Meta. Information was collected using an instrument designed for the study to assess social, educational, health and caregiver's performance profiles. Quality of life measurements were done applying the Quality of Life Instrument by B. Ferrell. Results showed that most of the caregivers were women (79%), with mean age of 46,02 year-old (DS=±15,72), they were related to the patient, being mainly spouses or daughters, had low educational levels (between primary school to incomplete high school education, 64%), caregivers are economically dependents (86%) and they have not received any training to be informal caregivers. Informal caregivers are the only and permanent domiciliary care source. This variable showed to be a significant protector factor for quality of life among caregivers (OR: 0,45; LC:0,20-0,97;X2=4,87; valor p: <0,05). Informal caregivers in general, reported positive response to their care role, but demand increased time and effort. For this, it is recommended to offer the needed support in order to maintain caregivers' quality of life and the best possible condition of chronic patient at his/her home environment.

Keywords : Caregiver; home care service; chronic disease.

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