Quality of Life among Caregivers of Patients Diagnosed with Major Chronic Disease during COVID-19 in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Quality of life (QoL) is considered one of the measures of health outcomes. Limited research studies have assessed family caregivers’ QoL, especially among patients diagnosed with chronic disease. This study measures the QoL of caregivers who guardian patients diagnosed with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, and/or other diseases during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants were primary caregivers who were supporting, in the last six months, individuals diagnosed with one of the previously mentioned chronic diseases. This included caregivers of patients admitted to a tertiary hospital from January 2021 to July of the same year (n = 1081); all participants completed the World Health Organization Quality of Life Assessment tool (WHOQOL-BREF) questionnaire. Caregivers of patients with cancer reported the highest mean level of QoL, followed by diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, then other different diseases (M = 3.80; M = 3.38; M = 3.37; and M = 2.51, respectively). A chi-square test of independence was performed to examine the relationship between the QoL of the four groups and their behaviors (i.e., caregivers’ psychological onuses and physical actions/reactions). The relation between these variables was significant, X2 (3, n = 1081) = 8.9, p = 0.001. The Kruskal–Wallis test indicated significant differences among the four groups (p ≤ 0.001). While the overall results of the QoL level of participants were low, a major recommendation of this study was to incorporate a QoL assessment to caregivers of chronically ill patients. Regular psychological and physical health check-ups of caregivers should be mandated in the healthcare system. Research studies should consider investigating and identifying the factors affecting health outcomes and positive developments which have a great impact on the wellbeing of both caregivers and patients on personal, organizational, and national levels.

Psychological Distress in South African Healthcare Workers Early in the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Analysis of Associations and Mitigating Factors

“…The coronavirus pandemic has caused a tremendous impact on the mental health of the general population [ 39 , 60 , 61 , 62 ], patient caregivers [ 63 ], and HCWs [ 7 , 9 , 64 , 65 , 66 , 67 ] across countries, with varying degrees of anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress syndrome, psychological distress, and insomnia. In a systematic review with meta-analysis, Chen et al reported the overall prevalence of mental health disorders in front-line HCWs, general HCWs, and the general population in African countries as 49%, 36%, and 38%, respectively [ 66 ].…”

Determinants of Quality of Life (QoL) in Female Caregivers in Elderly Care Facilities in Korea

“…In the third stage, age, perceived economic status, self-efficacy, and interpersonal relationships influenced, explaining a total of 61.5% (Figure 1). The QoL of caregivers is influenced by social, physical, and psychological aspects [47,48]. Fatigue is an empirical phenomenon that leads to a decrease in the ability to perform daily activities when the burden increases due to excessive mental and physical exertion.…”

“…This is particularly true for shift workers, as fatigue persists even after sleep. If not addressed, persistent fatigue can pose serious threats to physical and mental health, leading to issues such as overwork, reduced productivity, cardiovascular The QoL of caregivers is influenced by social, physical, and psychological aspects [47,48]. Fatigue is an empirical phenomenon that leads to a decrease in the ability to perform daily activities when the burden increases due to excessive mental and physical exertion.…”

Quality of life in cancer patients during the coronavirus 2019 pandemic: A systematic review study

“…Treatment considering that cancer is preventable and treatable in the early stages, and on the other hand, reducing the number of people seeking screening, it is predicted that tens of thousands of deaths due to cancer progression will occur in the coming decades (5). It should be noted that not all screening delays are dangerous, and it is worthwhile for specialists in each field to provide the necessary information to the public so that people can assess the extent of cancer and coronary heart diseases and make realistic decisions during the pandemic (37,38).…”