The other side of the coin in renal replacement therapies: the burden on caregivers

Assessing burden among caregivers of pediatric dialysis and kidney transplant patients

BACKGROUND

Caregiver burden in pediatric kidney disease is under-recognized and unquantified. The Pediatric Renal Caregiver Burden Scale (PR-CBS) is a validated tool that evaluates caregiver burden in this population. This study assesses caregiver burden at a tertiary center pediatric hospital in the following groups: dialysis, early post-kidney transplant (KT) (30 to 364 days), and late post-KT (> 1 year). Additionally, we aimed to demonstrate the feasibility of a translated PR-CBS among Spanish-speaking caregivers.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, caregivers were approached at clinic visits to complete the PR-CBS. Total PR-CBS scores (ranging 51 to 255) and mean domain scores (ranging 1 to 5) were calculated. Descriptive statistics and t-tests were performed.

RESULTS

Of the 30 caregivers approached, 26 consented: five of children receiving dialysis and 21 post-transplant. Survey completion was 100%. Total burden score was higher for caregivers of children on dialysis than post-KT, but not significantly (160 vs. 117, p = 0.09). The mean score for every domain was higher for caregivers of children on dialysis with significant differences in family life and caregiver identity (respectively, p = 0.04 and p = 0.03). PR-CBS scores did not differ across demographics. Four surveys were completed in Spanish; no significant difference was found.

CONCLUSIONS

Caregivers of children with kidney failure experience significant burden. While a small sample size limited this study, there was a trend for higher burden scores among caregivers of children on dialysis compared to post-KT. A larger, adequately powered study is needed to further assess the degree of burden in this population.

The perceived levels of stress, anxiety and depression among family caregivers of patients undergoing haemodialysis and their association with quality of life

BACKGROUND

Acknowledging the impact of chronic kidney disease on caregivers' quality of life (QoL) and psychological well-being has become a global priority, highlighting the need for supportive interventions specifically aimed at caregivers.

AIMS

This study aimed to assess the prevalence of stress, anxiety and depression among family caregivers of Omani patients undergoing haemodialysis and to explore its association with QoL.

METHOD

The study employed a cross-sectional design. A sample of 326 participants completed the study's surveys, including the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale, WHOQOL-BREF scale and a demographic scale.

RESULTS

The survey indicated that 68.4% of the participant caregivers experienced varying degrees of depression. In addition, 48.4% of caregivers reported experiencing stress levels ranging from mild to extremely severe. For anxiety, 65.6% (n = 214) of caregivers noted varying levels, from mild to extremely severe anxiety. Significant negative associations were found among caregiver age, number of chronic illnesses, number of medications, daily hours spent on caregiving, physical health, stress, anxiety and depression, on the one hand, and the physical domain of QoL, on the other hand. Regarding the psychological domain of QoL, significant negative associations were observed with daily caregiving hours, physical health, stress, anxiety and depression.

CONCLUSION

This study highlights the significant psychological burden faced by caregivers of patients undergoing haemodialysis. Systematic screening and practical interventions, such as support groups and mental health programmes, are essential to improve caregiver well-being. Future research should explore the effectiveness of these interventions and the long-term impact of caregiving.

Caregiver burden and quality of life among family caregivers of hemodialysis patients from South India

BACKGROUND

Hemodialysis (HD) patients require assistance from family caregivers in performing daily activities. This additional responsibility may cause caregivers to feel burdened, resulting in a poor quality of life. The current study envisaged assessing the degree of caregiver burden (CB) and quality of life among the primary caregivers of HD patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted among conveniently sampled, consenting family caregivers (N = 200) of HD patients in tertiary care dialysis centers in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India, from March 2022 to May 2022. A structured interview schedule was used to collect sociodemographic data from participants. The caregiver burden and quality of life were assessed using the Zarit Burden Interview and the World Health Organization (WHO) Quality of Life (QoL) BREF scale. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine the association between the variables.

RESULTS

Fifty-eight percent of the caregivers reported CB. Caregivers with no leisure time (ORadj = 3.29 [95% CI: 1.73-6.41]), perceived financial stress (ORadj = 2.27 [95% CI: 1.16-4.49]), and having comorbidities (ORadj = 2.92 [95% CI: 1.43-6.12]) had an increased odds of experiencing caregiver burden. The CB score was inversely correlated with all domains of QoL. Moreover, the QoL score was lower among family caregivers with CB than those without CB.

CONCLUSION

The present study highlights a high prevalence of caregiver burden, which negatively impacts the QoL of family caregivers of HD patients. This study opens up new directions for possible policy-making to reduce caregiver burden and improve the QoL of family caregivers.

Burden levels and predictive factors among caregivers of hemodialysis patients: a cross-sectional study in Oman

BACKGROUND

Caring for individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a highly demanding task that can adversely affect the physical and psychological well-being of caregivers.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the burden experienced by caregivers of patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD) in Oman and explore the factors associated with this burden, including demographic and medical characteristics.

METHODS

A descriptive cross-sectional was employed. Caregiver burden was assessed, and demographic and medical variables were examined among caregivers of HD patients. A total of 326 unpaid family caregivers completed the Zarit Burden Interview scale, demographics and some medical variables. Linear multiple regression analyses were conducted to identify factors linked to caregiver burden.

RESULTS

Of the caregivers, 62.9% reported a minimal burden, 21.8% experienced mild-to-moderate burden, 8.6% faced moderate-to-severe burden, and 6.7% encountered a severe burden. The final multiple regression model demonstrated statistical significance compared to the constant (F = 8.68, p < 0.001), with eight predictors explaining 18% of the variance, and caregivers' satisfaction with health emerged as the only significant predictor.

CONCLUSION

A substantial portion of caregivers reported minimal burden. These findings suggest the need for further in-depth investigations into factors contributing to this favourable outcome. Furthermore, caregivers' satisfaction with health was the only significant predictor of their burden. Healthcare providers need to give special attention to this point and conduct periodic assessments of the primary caregivers' health. Implementing improvements in the healthcare system based on these findings could enhance the overall caregiving experience for HD patients and their caregivers.

Assessing caregiver burden in advanced kidney disease: protocol for a systematic review of the measurement properties of instruments and tools

INTRODUCTION

Caregiver burden is a significant issue in the care of patients with advanced kidney disease. Its assessment is crucial for evaluating the needs of caregivers and for the development of interventions to support them. Several instruments have been developed to measure caregiver burden in these patients. However, the measurement properties of these instruments have not been systematically reviewed.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

This systematic review will include a comprehensive search of databases including PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, Cochrane Library, SCOPUS and Web of Science by using keywords and MeSH terms to identify relevant studies starting from each database inception to 1 January 2024 and covering papers in English. The search strategy will combine relevant keywords and database-specific subject headings related to the following concepts: (1) caregivers, (2) burden, stress, distress, (3) chronic kidney disease, end-stage kidney disease, dialysis. Reference lists of eligible articles will also be hand searched. We will include quantitative and qualitative studies evaluating measurement properties of instruments assessing caregiver burden in caregivers of adult patients (aged ≥18 years). Data will be extracted from the selected studies and analysed using the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments checklist as the study quality assessment tool. Subsequently, the van der Vleuten utility index will be used to critique and categorise the instruments. A narrative that synthesises the utility of all instruments will be presented along with recommendations for the selection of instruments depending on specific clinical contexts. This systematic review will provide an overview of the measurement properties of available instruments, including discussion on reliability, validity and responsiveness. Results from the review may give rise to the subsequent development of most appropriate instrument that could be applied to the assessment of caregiver burden in advanced kidney disease.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Ethics approval is not required as this study will merely synthesise data from published studies. The results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications as well as conference presentations.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42023433906.

Quality of life of caregivers of end-stage kidney disease patients: Caregivers or care recipients?

BACKGROUND

End-stage kidney disease (ESKD) patients require specific and continuous care, which affects caregivers' quality of life (QOL). It is necessary to define the basic problems and restrictions upon family caregivers of renal patients affecting their physical and psychological status.

OBJECTIVES

The main objectives of this narrative review were to examine the literature over the past 10 years, to describe factors associated with QOL of caregivers of patients with ESKD, and to identify the level of subjective burden reported by caregivers.

METHODS

A literature search was carried out using the following electronic databases: PubMed, Medscape, Science Direct, Scopus, PsychINFO and other scientific sources. Keywords included 'quality of life', 'caregivers', 'end stage kidney or renal disease patients', 'burden' and a combination of these terms. Only studies from January 2010 to December 2020 were included in this study.

RESULTS

The results found that there was significant burden and distress experienced by caregivers that affected their QOL. Patients' QOL is associated with caregivers' QOL. The hours of caring per day and the long-term replacement therapy are associated with great burden.

CONCLUSIONS

More awareness to caregivers' QOL is required to meet their needs, reduce anxiety and to improve patients' QOL. Caregiver support could empower and prepare them for initiation of replacement therapy. This can potentially enhance their diseased family members' QOL and could also restrict the use of health care system resources. Given how difficult it is to conceptualize QOL, a holistic approach to patients and caregivers require QOL assessment in each stage of the kidney disease.

Burden, depression and anxiety effects on family caregivers of patients with chronic kidney disease in Greece: a comparative study between dialysis modalities and kidney transplantation

INTRODUCTION

Burden of caregivers is a status that was identified as a consequence of daily care. Anxiety and depression are probably related to complex tasks interwined with the care of a family member suffering from chronic kidney disease (CKD).

PURPOSE

To examine the experienced burden, anxiety and depression of Greek caregivers of patients with End-Stage CKD on dialysis as well as kidney transplant recipients (TX) in relation to their demographic profile and to compare among the groups.

METHODS

A total of 396 participants (198 couples of patients and caregivers) were recruited. Structured interviews and self-completed questionnaires were obtained from patients undergoing dialysis modalities as well as TX (28 peritoneal dialysis patients, 137 hemodialysis patients, 33 TX) and their caregivers. Zarit Burden Interview, Beck Depression Inventory and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-2 scales were used as screening tools.

RESULTS

The majority of caregivers were females (67.2%), with a median age of 58 years. Total burden was indicated as mild to moderate (Mdn = 36 (24-51)). Caregivers of haemodialysis (HD) patients showed the highest burden (Mdn = 40 (26-53)) followed by peritoneal dialysis(PD) (Mdn = 29 (25-51)) and TX group (Mdn = 28 (21-43)) (p = 0.022). Caregivers' depression and anxiety were related to the type of patients' treatment, as well. Caregivers of HD and PD patients reported significantly higher depression (Mdn = 11 (5-18)) and anxiety scores (Mdn = 3 (2-5)) in comparison to TX caregivers (Mdn = 6 (2-13) and Mdn = 2 (2-4)) (p = 0.045 and p = 0.04, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Caregivers of TX patients appeared to have less burden, depression and anxiety levels compared with caregivers of patients on dialysis modalities. Caregivers' burden is significantly associated with anxiety, depressive symptoms, gender, duration of caregiving, educational level, financial status and caregivers' age.

The effects of psychosocial and economic factors on the quality of life of patients with end-stage renal disease and their caregivers in Klang Valley, Malaysia: protocol for a mixed-methods study

INTRODUCTION

The number of patients in Malaysia requiring dialysis is expected to rise substantially in the future due to the ageing population and increasing prevalence of diabetes mellitus and hypertension. Hence, more individuals will be expected to adopt the role of caregivers in the future. The upward trend of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and caregiving for dialysis patients has detrimental consequences for both patients and caregivers in terms of their psychological well-being and quality of life. Despite the current circumstances, there are very few studies in Malaysia that have explored the psychosocial factors, specifically on the economic impact of the management of ESRD.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

This two-phase sequential explanatory mixed-methods design, incorporating a quantitative design (phase I) and a qualitative study (phase II), is to be conducted in 4 government hospitals and 10 other non-governmental organisations or private dialysis centres within Klang Valley, Malaysia. A cross-sectional survey (phase I) will include 236 patient-caregiver dyads, while focus group discussions (phase II) will include 30 participants. The participants for both phases will be recruited purposively. Descriptive statistics, independent sample t-tests and multiple regression analysis will be used for analyses in phase I, and thematic analysis will be used in phase II.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Approval for the study has been obtained from the National Medical Research and Ethics Committee (MREC) (NMRR-21-1012-59714) and the Research Ethics Committee of Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz UKM (UKM PPI/111/8/JEP-2021-078) and University of Malaya Medical Centre (MREC ID NO: 2 02 178-10346). Informed consent of the participants will be obtained beforehand, and no personal identifiers will be obtained from the participants to protect their anonymity. The findings will be published in peer-reviewed scientific journals and presented at national or international conferences with minimal anonymised data.

Addressing the Ethical Challenges of Providing Kidney Failure Care for Children: A Global Stance

Children with kidney failure require kidney replacement therapy (KRT), namely maintenance dialysis and kidney transplant. Adequate kidney failure care consists of KRT or conservative treatment with palliative care. In the context of kidney failure, children depend on parents who are their surrogate decision-makers, and the pediatric nephrology team for taking decisions about KRT or conservative care. In this paper, we discuss the ethical challenges that arise relating to such decision-making, from a global perspective, using the framework of pediatric bioethics. While many ethical dilemmas in the care of children with KRT are universal, the most significant ethical dilemma is the inequitable access to KRT in low & middle income countries (LMICs) where rates of morbidity and mortality depend on the family's ability to pay. Children with kidney failure in LMICs have inadequate access to maintenance dialysis, timely kidney transplant and palliative care compared to their counterparts in high income countries. Using case vignettes, we highlight how these disparities place severe burdens on caregivers, resulting in difficult decision-making, and lead to moral distress among pediatric nephrologists. We conclude with key action points to change this status-quo, the most important being advocacy by the global pediatric nephrology community for better access to affordable kidney failure care for children.

Caregiver burden in pediatric dialysis: application of the Paediatric Renal Caregiver Burden Scale

BACKGROUND

Caring for a child with kidney failure on dialysis profoundly impacts caregivers' lives, yet the depth of this burden is not well understood. The Paediatric Renal Caregiver Burden Scale (PR-CBS) is a recently validated instrument used to measure caregiver burden in this population.

METHODS

We performed a cross-sectional study of caregiver burden for caregivers of children with kidney failure receiving dialysis at three pediatric centers. Caregivers completed the PR-CBS instrument as part of a larger qualitative study of caregiver experience. We performed descriptive statistics. T-tests were used to examine differences between dialysis modality and within key demographics. Multivariate linear regression was utilized to assess associations between significant factors and total score.

RESULTS

Ten caregivers of children receiving peritoneal dialysis (PD) and 21 receiving hemodialysis (HD) participated. Total burden score and mean score for every domain was higher for caregivers of children on HD compared to PD. PR-CBS score was significantly associated with younger child age and married status in caregivers. In adjusted multivariate analysis, dialysis modality and married marital status were significantly associated with PR-CBS score.

CONCLUSIONS

This study found that dialysis caregivers experience significant caregiver burden and demonstrates the utility of the PR-CBS in an American population. We found higher burdens among HD caregivers, younger children, and married caregivers. While these findings must be replicated on a larger scale, they suggest possible areas for targeted interventions to improve the quality of life of children with kidney failure and their families. A higher resolution version of the Graphical abstract is available as Supplementary information.

Components of quality of life in hemodialysis patients from family caregivers' perspective: a qualitative study

BACKGROUND

Patients with end-stage kidney disease experience serious complications which affect their lives. Few studies have investigated the patients' quality of life qualitatively from the perspective of family caregivers as the closest individuals to the patients. The family caregivers are directly involved in the patients' disease progression and observe the changes, problems, and complications of disease and hemodialysis. This study aimed to explain the components of quality of life in hemodialysis patients from the family caregivers' perspective.

METHODS

In this qualitative inductive content analysis, 16 family caregivers of hemodialysis patients, presenting to the teaching hospitals of Tehran, Iran, were enrolled via maximum-variation purposive sampling; sampling continued until reaching data saturation. The data collection method included in-depth semi-structured interviews. Also, an inductive content analysis was carried out based on Elo and Kyngas' method.

RESULTS

A total of 311 codes, 19 subcategories, eight generic categories, and three main categories were extracted in this study. The main (and the generic categories) included mental and psychological problems (depressive mood, incompatibility and reduced tolerance, mental exhaustion, and deprivation of basic needs), social disruption (social isolation and social threats), and physical problems (general complications and disabilities and defects in the normal functioning of organs).

CONCLUSION

Family caregivers can be valuable information sources for formal caregivers to plan treatment for chronically ill patients who are mainly cared for at home. The present results can help us increase the existing knowledge on the impact of end-stage kidney disease and hemodialysis on the patients' quality of life. It seems that addressing the issues related to quality of life, mentioned by the caregivers, can positively affect the patients' quality of life and even reduce the caregivers' burden.

Factors Associated with Burden in Caregivers of Patients with End-Stage Kidney Disease (A Systematic Review)

BACKGROUND

Caring for a patient with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) is highly stressful and can impact negatively on the physical and psychological well-being of caregivers. To accurately assess caregiver burden (CB), health care providers (HCPs) need to identify characteristics associated with an increase in CB.

AIM

The aim of this review is to explore CB in caregivers of adult patients with ESKD and to identify characteristics associated with any increase in CB.

METHOD

A comprehensive literature search was completed using five electronic databases. Medline, Embase, CINHAL, PsycINFO, and Scopus. The Joanna Briggs Institute checklist (JBI) was used to quality appraise full text papers included in the review. No time limit for the date of publication of studies was employed, to enable the inclusion of more extensive literature.

RESULTS

A total of 38 relevant studies from 18 countries were identified and included in the review. A variety of patient and caregiver factors can impact positively or negatively on CB, including socio-demographic factors of patients and caregivers, disease-related factors, situational and relational factors, environmental factors, and psychological factors.

CONCLUSION

This review provides awareness to HCPs of the important factors associated with CB, when assessing or targeting interventions for caregivers experiencing burden.

Burden and social support in informal caregivers of people undergoing kidney dialysis: a mixed study

OBJECTIVES

to analyze the burden and the social support of the informal caregivers of people undergoing kidney dialysis.

METHODS

mixed study, based on the Theory of Stress and Overload, using instruments of sociodemographic characterization, the Social Support Survey from the Medical Outcomes Study, Zarit's Burden Scale, and guiding questions. Analysis of data used statistical and thematic inferences.

RESULTS

55 caregivers were evaluated, most were women, from 31 to 50 years old, married, and having worked in care for more than three years. A high level of affective and material support was observed, with a light overload on the caregiver. The central theme of the discourses was: "Experiences of the caregiver: between the burden of responsibility and the search for meaning".

CONCLUSIONS

a small overload was found in the participants, with a high median in the dimensions of affective and emotional support, in the relations between positive social interactions and the burden of the caregivers, in addition to the duality or responsibility and the meaning of care.

Quality of life in primary caregivers of patients in peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis

BACKGROUND

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is gaining track as an efficient/affordable therapy in poor settings. Yet, there is little data regarding differences in quality of life (QoL) of primary caregivers (PCG) of patients in PD and hemodialysis (HD).

AIM

To compare the QoL of PCG of patients in PD and HD from an upper middle-income population in a Mexican city.

METHODS

Cross-sectional study was carried out with PCG of patients in PD (n=42) and HD (n=95) from 4 hospitals (response rate=70.2%). The SF 36-item QoL questionnaire, the Zarit burden interview, and the Goldberg anxiety/depression scale were used. Mean normalized scores for each QoL domain were compared by dialysis type. Adjusted odds were computed using logistic regression to determine the probability of low QoL (<70% of maximum possible score resulting from the added scores of the 8 dimensions).

RESULTS

The PD group had higher mean scores for emotional role functioning (+10.6; p=0.04), physical functioning (+9.2; p=0.002), bodily pain (+9.2; p=0.07), social functioning (+5.7; p=0.25), and mental health (+1.3; p=0.71); the HD group had higher scores for physical role functioning (+7.9, p=0.14), general health perception (+6.1; p=0.05), and vitality (+3.3; p=0.36). A non-significant OR was seen in multivariate regression (1.51; 95% CI 0.43-5.31). Zarit scores were similar, but workload levels were lower in the PD group (medium/high: PD 7.2%, HD 14.8%). Anxiety (HD 50.5%, PD 19%; p<0.01) and depression (HD 49.5%, PD 16.7%; p<0.01) were also lower in the PD group.

CONCLUSION

Adjusted analysis showed no differences in the probability of low QoL between the groups. These findings add to the value of PD, and strengthen its importance in resource-limited settings.

Effect of Variables on Quality of Life among Caregivers of Patients Undergoing Peritoneal Dialysis

Background

Most of the studies carried out abroad showed the effect of one or two variables on the constructs of burden, coping strategies, and quality of life (QOL) but nil in India context. These constructs change by cultural factors. The evaluation of variables influencing these constructs may be helpful in fine tuning the interventions to reduce the burden and to improve the QOL of caregivers of patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD).

Aim

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of demographic, social and clinical variables on burden, coping strategies, and QOL in caregivers of patients undergoing PD.

Materials and Methods

In this prospective study, we recruited 100 caregivers of patients undergoing PD and made assessment on burden, coping strategies, and QOL and evaluated the effect of demographic, social, and clinical variables on these constructs.

Results

None of the studied variables showed effect on burden and coping strategies. Age, gender, duration of caregiving, presence of chronic disease, and duration of the presence of chronic disease showed a significant effect on QOL.

Conclusion

The impact of demographic and clinical variables on QOL suggests these variables should be given adequate attention while developing interventions for alleviating the burden and improving the QOL of caregivers of patients undergoing PD.

Factors Influencing Scales of Burden, Coping Mechanisms, and Quality of Life in Caregivers of Hemodialysis Patients in Andhra Pradesh, India

Background:

Evaluation of factors influencing scales of burden, coping mechanisms, and quality of life (QOL) in caregivers of hemodialysis (HD) patients may lead to the revision of interventions aimed at the betterment of QOL of caregivers of HD patients. In this study, we investigated the influence of demographic, social, and clinical variables on burden, coping mechanisms, and QOL in caregivers of HD patients.

Methods:

In this prospective study, 150 caregivers of HD patients were recruited. Assessment of burden, coping strategies, and QOL were made by the Zarit Burden Interview, Revised Ways of Coping, and Short Form-36 QOL. The role of age, gender, and social and clinical variables on these constructs was investigated using multivariate analysis of variance.

Results:

The mean age was 43.86 ± 1.11 years. Males outnumbered females. Most were Hindu, married, primary school educated, unemployed, spouses, caring the patients, and suffering from chronic diseases for <5 years. In multivariate analysis of variance, effect of age on physical functioning (PF), general health (GH), and physical component summary (PCS) score (P < 0.01); gender on burden, distancing, seeking social support, role limitation due to emotional problem, and pain (P < 0.05); role limitations due to physical health, energy/fatigue (EF), emotional well-being, PCS, and mental component summary (MCS) score (P < 0.01); religion on PF (P < 0.05); marital status on burden and GH (P < 0.05); PF and PCS (P < 0.01); relationship of caregiver with the patient on PCS (P < 0.05); EF and MCS (P < 0.01); and presence of chronic diseases on GH and social functioning (P < 0.01) were observed.

Conclusion:

The role of demographic, social, and clinical variables should be taken into consideration while initiating therapies for reducing the burden and improving the QOL of caregivers.

The Living Donor Navigator Program Provides Support Tools for Caregivers

INTRODUCTION

The Living Donor Navigator (LDN) program is one of several initiatives designed to help transplant candidates identify living donors with the help of a friend or family member advocate to speak on their behalf. More than half of advocates in the LDN program were the spouse or parent of the candidate and served in a caregiving role. Caregivers for patients awaiting transplantation have reported poorer quality of life than the general population, suggesting more support is needed for this vulnerable group. The purpose of this study was to understand whether the LDN program met the needs of advocates who were also caregivers for the transplant candidate.

METHODS

We performed a supplementary secondary qualitative analysis of a parent study conducted December 2017-January 2018 with 9 advocates who participated in the LDN program. Transcripts were reanalyzed from focus group discussions, concentrating on comments about caregiving or made by caregivers. Using manual coding and reflexive thematic analysis, we identified broad codes and major themes.

FINDINGS

Our re-analysis revealed one theme overlapping with our previous analysis (Support) and 2 new themes specific to caregiver advocates: Quality of Life and Fear. Caregivers agreed that the LDN program equipped them with tools to address these areas and best serve their simultaneous caregiver/advocate roles.

DISCUSSION

These analyses demonstrated that those who served as advocate and caregiver derived a benefit from the LDN program but had distinct needs from other advocates. These findings can inform continued refinement of the program and expansion to support needs of caregiver.

Patient and caregiver perspectives on burnout in peritoneal dialysis

BACKGROUND

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) can offer patients more autonomy and flexibility compared with in-center hemodialysis (HD). However, burnout - defined as mental, emotional, or physical exhaustion that leads to thoughts of discontinuing PD - is associated with an increased risk of transfer to HD. We aimed to describe the perspectives of burnout among patients on PD and their caregivers.

METHODS

In this focus group study, 81 patients and 45 caregivers participated in 14 focus groups from 9 dialysis units in Australia, Hong Kong, and the United States. Transcripts were analyzed thematically.

RESULTS

We identified two themes. Suffering an unrelenting responsibility contributed to burnout, as patients and caregivers felt overwhelmed by the daily regimen, perceived their life to be coming to a halt, tolerated the PD regimen for survival, and had to bear the burden and uncertainty of what to expect from PD alone. Adapting and building resilience against burnout encompassed establishing a new normal, drawing inspiration and support from family, relying on faith and hope for motivation, and finding meaning in other activities.

CONCLUSIONS

For patients on PD and their caregivers, burnout was intensified by perceiving PD as an unrelenting, isolating responsibility that they had no choice but to endure, even if it held them back from doing other activities in life. More emphasis on developing strategies to adapt and build resilience could prevent or minimize burnout.

Burden, coping mechanisms, and quality of life among caregivers of hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis undergoing and renal transplant patients

CONTEXT

Investigations on burden, coping, and quality of life (QOL) in caregivers of hemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD) undergoing and renal transplant (RT) patients may lead to the well-being of caregivers, and these studies are sparse and nil in Indian context.

AIM

This study aims to comparatively evaluate the burden, coping mechanisms, and QOL among caregivers of HD and PD undergoing and RT patients.

SETTING AND DESIGN

Tertiary care hospital, cross-sectional and descriptive study.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Burden, coping mechanisms, and QOL in caregivers of HD and PD undergoing and RT patients were investigated using Zarit burden interview, revised ways of coping and short-form 36 in 30 each caregivers of HD and PD undergoing and RT patients.

RESULTS

Moderate to severe burden, mild to moderate burden, and no burden were observed in the majority of caregivers of HD and PD undergoing and RT patients. Significantly higher mean burden score in caregivers of HD undergoing than RT patients (P < 0.01); accepting responsibility in caregivers of RT than PD undergoing patients; social functioning in caregivers of HD than PD undergoing patients; and general health in caregivers of RT than HD undergoing patients, was observed. Lower physical component was common in each group, whereas accepting responsibility in HD, self-controlling in PD, and age and escape avoidance in RT were found to be the specific predictors of the burden score.

CONCLUSIONS

Caregivers of HD and PD undergoing and RT patients have different levels of burden, use different mechanisms to cope, and showed different predictors of burden score.