Abstract

Objective: An individual with COPD needs the assistance and support of the caregiver in many areas, such as his daily life, medicines and medical controls. The difficulties undergone during the disease course affect not only patients but also their caregivers. The aim of the research was to determine the care burden and quality of life of caregivers.

Materials and Methods: Two hundred and eighteen caregivers of COPD patients who lived within the responsibility area of a district clinic were included in the research. The Informational Form, Burden Interview and WHOQOL BREF were used to collect the data.

Results: It was found that the quality of life of caregivers decreased as the care burden increased. The caregivers whowere aged 45<, lived in the extended family, had low economic incomes and experienced difficulty in the care had more burden. It was determined that the psychological domain of the quality of life of caregivers who were aged 45> and literate was lower. The social domain of the quality of life of those who were widowed and had an insufficient economic income was lower. All domains of the quality of life among those who lived in separated families were low. Scores of psychological and social domains of the caregivers of female patients were lower, whereas scores of the social domain of caregivers who had dependent patients, had completed primary education and used aids to daily living were lower.

Conclusion: The quality of life of the caregivers decreases while they perform care of the COPD patient. The burden of caregivers who experience difficulties in the care increases.