CHALLENGES FACED BY HOME CAREGIVERS OF HEMODIALYSIS PATIENTS: A QUALITATIVE STUDY

Abstract

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a growing health concern in Pakistan, with prevalence rates ranging from 12.5% to 29.9%. Home caregivers of patients undergoing hemodialysis face significant physical, emotional, and informational burdens, which affect both their well-being and the quality of care provided.

Objective: To explore the challenges faced by home caregivers attending to hemodialysis patients.

Method: A qualitative descriptive design was used. Twelve primary caregivers with direct caregiving experience were selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected via in-depth interviews, transcribed, and analyzed using thematic analysis.

Results: Five major themes emerged:

1. Physical and daily caregiving challenges (e.g., care fatigue, lifestyle changes)
2. Lack of knowledge and information (e.g., inadequate medication management, need for education)
3. Emotional and psychological stress (e.g., anxiety, feeling overwhelmed)
4. Impact on family dynamics (e.g., disrupted leisure time, shifting responsibilities)
5. Financial strain (e.g., treatment costs, job disturbances)

Conclusion: Home caregivers of hemodialysis patients face multifaceted challenges that significantly affect their physical, emotional, and financial well-being. Addressing these needs through education, support systems, and policy-level interventions is essential to improve both caregiver and patient outcomes.