Positive Coping and Self-Assessed Levels of Health and Burden in Unpaid Caregivers of Patients with End Stage Renal Disease Receiving Hemodialysis Therapy

Caregiver burden has negative consequences on the perceived health and quality of life of caregivers. There is limited research on the positive aspects of caregiving. A descriptive convenience sample of 89 caregivers of patients on hemodialysis responded to an online survey distributed on the National Kidney Foundation's email list. Participants completed the Self Assessed Health Measure (SAH), Positive Aspects of Caregiving (PAC), and the Caregiving Stress Appraisal (CAS) survey instruments. Caregivers with higher self-assessed levels of health, who view their caregiver role positively, experienced lesser degrees of burden (Pearson r=-0.537, p=0.000; and r=-0.335, p=<0.001, respectfully). Healthcare providers must take into consideration the health, wellness, and needs of unpaid caregivers.