Relation between Caregivers Knowledge, Burden and Coping Strategies toward Elderly Patients with Liver Cirrhosis in Al-Rajhy Liver Hospital at Assiut University

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Demonstrator of Gerontological Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Assuit University, Egypt

2 Professor of Community Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Assiut University, Egypt.

3 Assistant Professor of Tropical Medicine and Gastroenterology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Egypt

4 Assistant Professor of Gerontological Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Assiut University, Egypt

Abstract

Background: Caregivers for elderly patients with cirrhosis face huge burdens, and they use multiple coping strategies to adapt to these burdens. Aim: To assess relations between caregivers knowledge, burden, and coping strategies toward elderly patients with liver cirrhosis. Design: A descriptive research design was used. Setting: This study was conducted in the Liver Diseases Departments (male & female) in Al-Rajhy Liver Hospital at Assiut University. Sample: A convenience sample of 400 caregivers of elderly patients with liver cirrhosis. Tools: Structured interview questionnaire, knowledge questionnaire, zarit burden scale, and coping strategies inventory short-form. Results: The findings revealed that 34.7 of the caregivers were in the age group 40 - < 50 years, 52.8% were males and 75.8% of them were sons or daughters. 69.5% of them had poor knowledge regarding liver cirrhosis, 48.3% had a severe burden, and they mostly used problem-focused engagement as a coping strategy with burden. There was a statistically significant relation between caregiver's knowledge and their burden level, there was statistically positive correlation between knowledge and problem-focused engagement, and a negative correlation with problem-focused disengagement and emotion-focused disengagement coping strategies. Conclusion: The caregiver's poor knowledge has a negative effect on their burden, and most of them use problem-focused engagement and problem-focused disengagement coping strategies. Recommendation: Conduct an education and training program for caregivers regarding the care of elderly patients with liver cirrhosis.

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