Sobrecarga e qualidade de vida de cuidadores em cuidadores com filhos internados em cuidados intensivos pediátricos - Pediatria do HCM-2023

Abstract

The hospitalization of a child in a pediatric intensive care unit tends to be a significant experience in the life of an informal caregiver, potentially overwhelming them and affecting their quality of life. In the empirical component of this monograph, a mixed-method, exploratory case study procedure was presented with the Objective: to analyze the influence of caregiver overload due to the hospitalization of children in a pediatric intensive care unit on their quality of life. Methods: The study involved 10 caregivers recruited from the PICU of HCM. Overload and quality of life were assessed using the Zarit overload scale and the WHOQOL-bref, respectively. Data were analyzed from Bardin's perspective and descriptive analysis method. Results: in the Zarit scale, 80% of the participants presented with mild to moderate overload, and 20% with moderate to severe overload. In terms of quality of life, participants rated the physical domain and satisfaction with health as low quality, indicating them as the most affected, with 60% of the score. The level of overload is related to the diagnosis, length of hospitalization, and abandonment of work, which are the major influencing factors on the quality of life of informal caregivers. The search for spiritual support has been the most frequent and relieving strategy during times of crisis