Assessment of psychological distress and quality of life of family caregivers caring for patients with chronic diseases at home

Introduction: Caring for the chronically ill at home is a particularly demanding process that can place a great burden on the caregiver. International and Greek studies underline and confirm this problem. In addition, family caregivers are not supported by the health systems of the different countries, especially in Greece, where the system relies mainly on the family to care for these patients, which is even more challenging during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate the psychological burden of family caregivers of the chronically ill and the outcomes of care for these individuals. It also aims to assess the intensity of burden and changes in quality of life of family caregivers by demographic characteristics.

Methods: The sample of the study was a random sample and consisted of 102 family caregivers of chronically ill patients registered in home care of "Metaxa" hospital. The scales (BAKAS/BCOS) and (HADS) were used for data collection. SPSS 25 statistical package was used for statistical analysis of the results.

Results: The results of the study, calculated with the BCOS scale, show a low burden (-0.93) of family caregivers, patients with chronic diseases and moderate depression and anxiety. The results of the analysis associate the intensity of family caregiver burden with increased levels of anxiety and depression. The factors that affect burden are gender, with women having higher burden, living with the patient, and low education level. According to the HADS anxiety scale, family caregivers had an average score of 11, indicating a moderate level of anxiety, and for depression, the average score was 10.4, also indicating a moderate level of depression. The results indicate that the state needs to support family caregivers and take immediate action to create structures and implement actions to help families continue in their difficult roles in a pain-free manner.