The effect of group logo therapy on the burden of hemodialysis patients’ caregivers

Abstract

Introduction: The relationship between caregivers and patients plays a vital role in providing effective care. Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of group logo therapy on the burden of hemodialysis patients’ caregivers. Patients and Methods: The present research was a quasi-experimental study with pretest-posttest design. The study population was all caregivers of hemodialysis patients in Qazvin. The sample of this study consisted of 100 caregivers (50 participants in the intervention group and 50 participants in the control group) who were selected according to the inclusion criteria and then randomly allocated in two groups. After the initial evaluation of burden in both groups, 10 sessions, (90 minutes for each session) logo therapy was conducted for intervention group. Immediately after the end of the course and one month later, the intensity of caregiver burden in both groups was measured. The data collection tools were demographic questionnaires for the patient and caregiver and the Zarit Burden Interview. Results: In this study we found, the intervention group with a mean score of 44.6±7.4 and the control group with a mean score of 44.8±5.38 experienced severe burden. Regarding the effect of logo therapy on caregiver burden, the results showed that the mean score of burden before the intervention was 44.6±7.4 and immediately after the intervention and one month later were 37.2±12.6 and 2.14±6.34, respectively (P<0.001). Conclusion: The findings showed the positive effect of group logo therapy on reducing the burden of hemodialysis patients’ caregivers. Considering the high level of caregiver burden, it appears that the application of logo therapy in educational programs for dialysis centers is necessary to reduce the caregiver burden and improve the quality of life.