Determining the burden of caregiving and the anxiety levels of caregivers in charge of elderly patients with heart failure

Aim: The aim of this descriptive study is to determine the burden of caregiving and the anxiety levels of caregivers in charge of elderly patients with heart failure. Material and Method: This study was done between June, 2013 and July, 2015. The study universe consisted in 290 caregivers in charge of patients aged 65 or more who were hospitalized in the İnönü University Turgut Ozalp Medical Center Cardiology Department with a diagnosis of heart failure. A total of 165 caregivers made up the study sample, a size calculated according to a formula applicable to a known study universe. Tools for data collection were a personal data questionnaire for the caregiver and the patient, respectively, a Caregiver Burden Scale (CBS) and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Data were registered using face-to-face interviews between the investigator and the caregiving family members of the patients. Descriptive data were summarized as absolute numbers and percentage; independent group comparisons used the t-test, the Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests, analysis of variance and Pearson's correlation coefficient. Results: This research found that most of the caregivers were married and single females, and that many of the caregivers were satisfied with the care they gave. It was determined that age, working status, chronic disease, level of intimacy with the geriatric patients and being satisfied with care-giving affected the burden of care-giving. Age, chronic disease, level of intimacy with the geriatric patients and being satisfied with caregiving also affected anxiety levels. Conclusion: It has been determined that an increased care burden increases anxiety levels. In accordance with these results, support of caregivers by the health care professional team, especially the nurses, and increased counseling programs may be proposed to reduce the caregiving load and anxiety levels in the caregivers. Key Words: Elderly, Heart Failure, Caregiver, Burden of Caregiving, Anxiety, Nurse