An Exploratory Study to Assess the Knowledge Regarding Post Dialysis Home Care among Caregivers of Hemodialysis Patients Attending Selected Hospital of Mohali

A growing number of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are receiving home-based care and require support from non-professional healthcare providers, often family members, to manage CKD. Although dialysis is a demanding treatment, which requires considerable personal discipline and care, there is an important role of caregiver for dialysis patients including assistance in daily activities, medication, fluid control, skin care and help to cope with stress. The aim of the study was to assess the knowledge regarding post dialysis home care among caregivers of hemodialysis patients. An exploratory approach was adopted. Total 100 caregivers of hemodialysis patients were taken by non probability purposive sampling technique during the month of February, 2013 in a private Hospital of Mohali. A self administered structured questionnaire was used to assess the knowledge regarding post dialysis home care among caregivers of hemodialysis patients. Collected data was analyzed by descriptive and inferential statistics. The analyzed data revealed that out of 100 caregivers, maximum caregivers were spouse (44%) of hemodialysis patients, majority (38%) were more than 48 years of age, number of female caregivers (54%) were more than male caregivers, majority of caregivers were graduates (47%), unemployed (33%), from nuclear families (67%) and having income equal to and less than Rs 5000 (32%). Among 100 caregivers of hemodialysis patients, no one possessed excellent knowledge, 19% were having good knowledge, half of the caregivers (50%) had average knowledge, 29% had poor knowledge and 2% of the caregivers' knowledge was deemed very poor regarding post dialysis home care. The relation of caregiver with patient, caregivers' age, gender, education, occupation, type of family and income showed no significant impact on the knowledge of caregiver regarding post dialysis home care.