A Descriptive Study to Assess the Burden Level Among Caregivers of COPD Patients Admitted in the Medical Wards of Sub-District Hospital, Sopore, Jammu and Kashmir

Abstract

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) encompasses a range of respiratory conditions characterized by airway blockage and alveolar damage, often triggered by prolonged exposure to harmful chemicals. The prevalent manifestations include emphysema and chronic bronchitis, with breathlessness as a key clinical symptom leading to additional challenges such as airway limitation, sputum formation, and coughing. Caregivers play a crucial role in providing quality care to COPD patients, particularly in regions like Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), where family members commonly assume the caregiving responsibility. In this study, conducted in the medical ward of the sub-district hospital in Sopore, J&K, the focus is on assessing the burden experienced by caregivers of COPD patients. The caregiving role, though essential, has been observed to take a toll on the mental, physical, and emotional well-being of caregivers. Despite being committed to long-term management of the disease's later phases, caregivers often suffer from constant stress and strain, impacting their overall quality of life. The study employed a quantitative approach, utilizing convenient purposive sampling to gather data from caregivers of COPD patients. The findings revealed that a significant proportion of caregivers (90%) fell within the 36 to 45 years age bracket, with a majority (73.30%) being females. Interestingly, half of the caregivers were grandchildren, and 83.3% had a monthly income exceeding 20,000 rupees. A majority (90%) of the caregivers reported a history of frequent patient admissions. The assessment of caregiver burden levels indicated that 53.30% experienced a moderate burden, 26.70% had a mild burden, 16.70% faced severe burden, and only 3.30% reported no burden. The mean burden level was calculated as 47.06 ± 13.78, reflecting a notable burden among caregivers. However, the chi-square test results suggested no significant correlation between burden levels and demographic factors, including age, gender, caregiver status, monthly income, and history of frequent admissions. In conclusion, this study sheds light on the significant burden faced by caregivers of COPD patients, impacting their overall well-being. While the majority experienced a moderate burden, it is crucial to recognize and address the challenges faced by caregivers to ensure the provision of effective and sustainable care. The findings underscore the need for support mechanisms and interventions to alleviate caregiver burden and enhance the quality of care for COPD patients in the region.