Managing Caregiver Burden among Families of Patients with End-Stage Renal Disease

Family caregivers of patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) play a significant role in providing substantial care for a prolonged period for their sick relatives, often with very limited resources, making it a difficult environment. Government support for family caregivers of patients with ESRD is lacking in Nigeria, increasing their vulnerability to caregiver burden and its consequences. An action research study using a complimentary mixed-method approach was used to develop the intervention model for managing caregiver burden. Quantitative data were collected to measure the extent of caregiver burden using a Zarit Burden Interview questionnaire for 96 family caregivers, while individual in-depth interviews with 15 participants provided the qualitative data. Integrating the quantitative and qualitative data led to the identification of four moderators to manage the caregiver burden in this study. The model for managing caregiver burden was developed from the findings, using stressors and associated moderators of caregiving, and the role played by culture and finance in this context. An implementation checklist was developed, which was used by registered nurses to implement the concepts in the model with the family caregivers during the model implementation phase. Family caregivers of patients with ESRD need to be supported by nurses during the caregiving process. Nurses can increase caregivers’ identity and knowledge of the disease as a way of preventing the family caregivers from being overwhelmed by their caregiving role.