Differences In Health Related Quality Of Life Among Caregivers Of Copd Patients According To The Level Of Perceived Burden

Introduction: Having COPD implies changes in lifestyle and constant care. The needs and daily care of COPD patients affect the health related quality of life (HRQoL) of caregivers, both physically and psychologically, which in turn deteriorates the care provided. Purpose: To evaluate differences in the HRQoL among caregivers of COPD patients, according to the level of perceived burden. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out, 57 caregivers of COPD participated. SF-12 questionnaire was used to evaluate HRQoL. Zarit burden interview was applied, based on this the caregivers were classified as: without burden (G1, n=23, 55±15 years, 69.6% women), mild perceived burden (G2, n=18, 55±13 years, 61.1% women) and intense perceived burden (G3, n=16, 56±9 years, 87.5% women). ANOVA in SPSS v.25 was used. Results: There were statistically significant differences (p<0.05) between groups (G1, G2, G3) in total HRQoL (76.35±16.01, 66.74±24.31, 59.03±18.07). Specifically in physical function (81.52±26.34, 72.22±34.18, 67.19±36.19), physical role (79.35±31.67, 68.06±40.95, 67.19±37.32), body pain (75±35.35, 68.06±40.95, 67.19±37.32), general health (64.13±33.56, 43.06±37.18, 45.31±33.19), vitality (75.22±31.89, 60.56±35.88, 46.88±43.62), social function (82.06±27.13, 87.5±24.25, 58.59±31.53), emotional role (83.15±18.14, 68.33±40.86, 62.03±29.21) and mental health (74.34±15.9, 62.59±23.88, 57.91±24.21). Conclusions: The caregivers with intense perceived burden had lower HRQoL. Patient care can lead to burden of caregivers and reduce their HRQoL. It is important to implement preventive interventions in this population to avoid the development of chronic diseases.