PS-C18-12: STRESS AND COPING STRATEGY AMONG CAREGIVERS OF HYPERTENSIVE PATIENTS UNDERGOING HEMODIALYSIS- A PROSPECTIVE STUDY

Abstract

Objective: To find out the level of burden/stress, and quality of life (QoL) among caregivers of hypertensive patients undergoing hemodialysis. And, to access the coping strategies used by caregivers. Design and Methods: This was a prospective observational study of caregivers of hypertensive patients undergoing hemodialysis having a history of caring for hemodialysis patient for at least 3 months and who had more than or equal to 18 years of age. A scheduled interview was arranged for each participant to complete the validated inventory questionnaire; Caregivers burden (CGB) Scale, WHO-QOL-BREF scale, and COPE inventory questionnaire to measure the level of stress, QoL and coping strategies used by the caregivers. Results: A total of 100 caregivers of hypertensive patients undergoing hemodialysis were enrolled in the study. Age varied from 20 to 76 years (mean 39.66 ± 12.74 years). The majority of the participants were male (62.9%) married (83.5%), employed (68%), and literate (95.8%). Around half (50.5%) of the patients had reimbursed the cost of dialysis from the Government schemes. Around half of the caregivers reported medium to high (medium, high; 40.21%, 10.31% respectively) levels of stress on utilizing the CGB scale. Using the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire, it was found that participants had an overall good QoL (Table 1). Most of the caregivers adopted turning to religion, seeking social support, positive reinterpretation, planning, and acceptance as a coping strategy (Table 1). Conclusion: In view of moderate to high levels of stress among caregivers of hypertensive patients undergoing hemodialysis, there may be recommendations for developing a practicing guideline to address the caregiver assessment, education, and provision of referral to support services.