Psychological Morbidity, Burden, and Quality of Life Among Caregivers of Dialysis Patients: A Cross Sectional Study in a Tertiary Care Hospital, Kanchipuram District

Abstract

Chronic renal failure (CRF) refers to progressive and irreversible kidney dysfunction that impacts a significant number of people globally, posing substantial public health challenges associated with morbidity and mortality rates. Hemodialysis stands as the predominant treatment for CRF worldwide [1]. However, the challenges and limitations of dialysis often lead to various psychological issues among patients [2]. These include feelings of melancholy, anxiety, low self-esteem, dependency, fatigue, infertility, sexual dysfunction, bone complications, anemia, and frequent hospitalizations due to cardiovascular and gastrointestinal problems. Long-term hemodialysis also affects family members, causing them psychological, social, and cultural challenges [3].