The impact of stressors and overload on informal caregivers of patients with cirrhosis: The first use of the Burden Scale for Family Caregivers in Brazil

Author(s)

Sanches Slusarski Martins, Raquel ^[1] ; Pipek, Leonardo Zumerkorn ^[2] ; Mesquita, Gustavo Heluani Antunes de ^[2] ; Nii, Fernanda ^[2] ; Medeiros, Kayo Augusto de Almeida ^[2] ; Carvalho, Barbara Justo ^[2] ; Martines, Diego Ramos ^[2] ; D'Albuquerque, Luiz Augusto Carneiro ^[1] ; Meyer, Alberto ^[1] ; Andraus, Wellington ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Hosp Clin HCFMUSP, Fac Med, Dept Gastroenterol, Av Dr Eneas Carvalho Aguiar 255, BR-05508900 Sao Paulo, SP - Brazil

^[2] Univ Sao Paulo, Fac Med FMUSP, Sao Paulo, SP - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: JOURNAL OF HEALTH PSYCHOLOGY; v. 27, n. 2, p. 408-421, FEB 2022.
• Web of Science Citations: 0

Abstract

Introduction: Cirrhosis affects liver functions and compromises much of the body's organs. The significant increase in chronic diseases, including cirrhosis, has led to changes in medical practice and health systems, leading the informal caregiver to play a major role because of family ties or some level of proximity to the patient, assuming daily care function. However, the burden generated by informal caregivers for uninterrupted care is present at different levels (physical, mental, social, professional, and financial) and even in the prognosis of the patient. Objective: The present study aims to evaluate the impact of stressors and overload on informal caregivers of cirrhosis patients. Method: Cross-sectional study, conducted with 54 informal caregivers of cirrhosis patients, followed up at the Liver Transplant Service Outpatient Clinic of the University of Sao Paulo School of Medicine Hospital das Clinicas, where they had access to a sociodemographic questionnaire, history of the patient's disease and the scale Burden Scale for Family Caregivers. Results: It was observed that higher levels of education and income of the caregiver correlates with a lower degree of stress. In addition, there is a significant difference found in the caregiver's age variable, which indicates that the youngest are those who have the highest degree of stress. The variable Na mEg/l of the patient also presents a statistically significant difference. Conclusion: Our study was a precursor using the BSFC scale of worldwide coverage and that had not yet been applied in any study in Brazil, thus allowing a look at the various aspects that affect the quality of life of caregivers of patients with cirrhosis. Our results and the literature corroborate the importance not only of the patient, but also the informal caregiver's health. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 18/10775-3 - The impact of stressing factors in informal caregiver of patients with hepatic cirrhosis
• Grantee: Leonardo Zumerkorn Pipek
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation