Caregiver role strain: occurrence in famly members of hospitalized patients with chronic diseases

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to study the occurrence of "caregiver role strain" in family members of patients hospitalized for the treatment of chronic diseases. Cross-sectional study involving 12 families, which were interviewed during the hospitalization period of the person index in a teaching hospital in the Midwest of Brazil, using the Calgary Family Assessment Model (CFAM). The NANDA-I taxonomy was applied to state the diagnosis, and it was necessary to make additions to the diagnosis components, which are highlighted in italics. All the families presented the studied diagnosis, and the following related factors were identified in more than 50% of them: liabilities related to the 24-hour care; the caregiver is female; lack of adequate support, inadequate physical environment for care; and the defining characteristic of disturbed sleep pattern. The actions of health professionals should be directed so as to assist in the interaction and management of the patient’s daily life; contribute to alleviate the burden; facilitate the cooperation and reduce the stress factors that could trigger crises.