Caregiver Burden, Marital Satisfaction, and Quality of Life among Caregivers of Thalassemia Patients

Abstract

This study delves into the intricate interplay among caregiver burden, marital satisfaction, and quality of life within the context of individuals caring for thalassemia patients. As thalassemia continues to impact families globally, understanding the dynamics influencing caregivers becomes imperative. This research endeavors to unravel the nuanced relationships between caregiver burden and caregivers’ marital satisfaction, as well as the implications for their overall quality of life. The study hypothesized a significant relationship between marital satisfaction, caregiver burden, and quality of life among caregivers of thalassemia patients, and a significant gender difference based on caregiver burden. A purposive sample of 180 participants (25% males and 75% females) with no age limit was recruited from different blood transfusion centers. To investigate the relationship between variables, three widely used instruments (in Urdu) were employed: Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI), Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS), and World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale (WHOQOL-BREF). A correlational and cross-sectional research design was used, and data were collected through a survey method. Findings indicated a noteworthy, non-significant weak positive correlation between marital adjustment and caregiver burden, and a significant positive correlation between caregiver burden and quality of life. Regression analysis further showed that caregiver burden significantly predicted quality of life, explaining 3% of its variance. The study highlights the interconnected nature of caregiver burden, marital satisfaction, and quality of life, emphasizing the need for psychological and social support for caregivers of thalassemia patients.

Keywords: Marital Adjustment, Caregiver Burden, Quality Of Life, Thalassemia, Pakistan