Assessment of Anxiety and Burden on caregivers for haemodialysis patients in southern Punjab, Pakistan

The aim of present study is to assess anxiety and depression experienced by unpaid caregivers of chronic haemodialysis patients suffering from end-stage renal failure (ESRF). The evaluation of factors influencing anxiety and depression and care-giving burden was performed. In the present study, non-paid primary caregivers (218 study participants) of patients with ESRF receiving haemodialysis, who were providing care (minimum 6 months and up to 5 years) were interviewed by using Aga Khan University Anxiety and Depression Scale (AKUADS) and the carer’s burden of peritoneal dialysis patients (CSCDP) questionnaire. According to the scoring of AKUADS, 90.4% caregivers were found to be experiencing significant anxiety and depression. From assessment of demographic factors collected using the AKUAD scale, it was found that female gender was more in number (44%), wedded (72.01%), with a mean life span of 38.5 ± 2 (SE) years, and having monthly income below average. The main relationships of caregivers with patients, was life partners (38%) and parents (18.2%). The highest depression levels were found in mothers as attendants (67%), caregivers of age less than 30 years (22 %) and caregivers of elderly patients (87%). The outcome of this study has revealed a need to plan policies to support unpaid caregivers as well as the patients