Introduction

An increase in chronic noncommunicable disease has been evidenced worldwide in this century; patients present with longer-lasting and more complex pathologies, generating dependence, requiring a caregiver at home; while different skills are required to improve care competencies.

Objective

To identify types of support used by the family caregivers of patients with chronic noncommunicable disease and their relation with the caregivers’ burden.

Materials and Methods

Quantitative-approach, cross-sectional and analytical study, applying these tools: "Characterization of the patient-caregiver dyad and Caregiver’s Zarit Burden Interview". The population comprised 62 dyads. OR were calculated in logistic regression.

Results

19.35% (12) of caregivers showed an intense level of burden, 20.97% (13) showed a light burden, and 59.68% (37) had no burden. Caregivers with intense burden state there is 0% of psychological and social support. The relevant variables in the burden level were daily hours of care OR = 1.14 (CI 95%: 1.01; 1.33), the higher the level of knowledge of the computer, the lower the possibility of increase in the level of burden with raw OR= 0.14 (CI95%: 0.02; 0.91), and adjusted OR = 0.07 (CI 95%: 0.007; 0.68).

Discussion

It is critical to continue investigating aspects that will reduce the caregivers’ burden, keep them healthy and under appropriate conditions to perform their role.

Conclusions

It is necessary to strengthen the different types of support for family caregivers to reduce the burden level related to their work.

        · resumen en Español | Portugués     · texto en Español     · Español ( pdf )