Exploring the Burden of Informal Caregiving for Patients Undergoing Long-term Hemodialysis: A Multicenter Study
Bibliographic Information
Authors: Mahmoud Mohammad Abdulaziz H.; Mohamed Omar Y.; Mohamed Naguib Attiya A.; Mohammed Rashed Helal A.; Mohamed R.G.; Mohammed M.G.G.; Mohamed Salem K.
Journal: Turkish Journal of Nephrology
Publisher: Turkish Society of Nephrology
Publication Date: 1 July 2025
Volume / Issue: Volume 34 / Issue 3
Pages: 188–194
ISSN: 26674440
DOI: 10.5152/turkjnephrol.2025.251010
Scopus: View on Scopus
Document Type: Article
Access: All Open Access; Gold Open Access; Green Open Access
Authors and Affiliations
Mahmoud Mohammad Abdulaziz H., Mansoura Nephrology and Dialysis Unit (MNDU), Department of Internal Medicine, Mansoura University, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura, Egypt; Mohamed Omar Y., Mansoura University, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura, Egypt; Mohamed Naguib Attiya A., Urology and Nephrology Center, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt; Mohammed Rashed Helal A., Department of Internal Medicine and Nephrology, Fayoum University, Faculty of Medicine, Fayoum, Egypt; Mohamed R.G., Mansoura Manchester Program for Medical Education, Mansoura University, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura, Egypt; Mohammed M.G.G., Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt; Mohamed Salem K., Department of Internal Medicine, Fayoum University, Faculty of Medicine, Fayoum, Egypt
Abstract
Background: Family caregivers are essential partners for hemodialysis patients’ medical needs and daily living activities. They often feel overwhelmed and strained. This study explored the prevalence and factors associated with caregiving burden among patients undergoing long-term hemodialysis. Methods: This article is a cross-sectional study of 228 caregivers of patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis for over 3 months. Data were retrieved through face-to-face interviews with hemodialysis patients’ caregivers. The Arabic version of the 12-item Abridged Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI-A) was utilized to evaluate caregiver burden. Independent predictors of caregiver burden were identified using logistic regression. Results: The median age of caregivers was 42 (30-42) years, and 65.8% were females. Ninety caregivers (41.7%) experienced no-to-mild caregiver burden (ZBI score 1-10), 84 (36.8%) had mild-to-moderate burden (ZBI score 11-20), and 49 (21.5%) had a high burden (ZBI score >20). The median total ZBI score of caregivers was 12 (8-19), with a maximum score of 42. Female caregivers and those living in Greater Cairo had approximately 2 times higher odds of having a higher caregiver burden (ZBI score >10) [95% confidence interval 1.10-3.57 and (1.071-4.01), respectively]. Conclusion: More than half of caregivers experience either mild-to-moderate or high burden that is independently associated with sex and region of residence. While providing care to hemodialysis patients, it is essential to focus on their family caregivers, especially females, by developing tailored interventions that can help alleviate their burden. © 2025 Turkish Society of Nephrology. All rights reserved.
Keywords
caregiver burden; Hemodialysis; informal caregiver; Zarit Burden Interview
Citation Information
Scopus Citations: 1
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