Perception of the Quality of Life of Caregivers of Patients Attending a Program for the Chronically, Villavicencio, Colombia

Abstract

Objective: Identify perceptions about the quality of life of informal caregivers of chronically ill adults who are attending a program for the chronically ill sponsored by a state-run social welfare agency in Villavicencio, Colombia. Materials and Methods: This is a descriptive, cross-sectional study with a qualitative approach. The focus is on informal caregivers (n = 180) of chronically ill adults who are involved in the Chronic Illness Awareness and Prevention Program. The Quality of Life (QOL) Instrument – Family Version developed by Ferrell and Grant was used with the caregivers, and the Granger adapted version of the Pluses profile was used to assess the functionality of chronically ill patients. The score ranges and measures of central tendency and dispersion for the domains of well-being and quality of life are determined. Results: In most of the caregivers, there was evidence that the domains of physical and social well-being are not affected. The dimensions of psychological and spiritual well-being are at the middle level, as is quality of life. Conclusions: The results can be used by nursing to guide training processes aimed at strengthening the skills caregivers have to promote health and wellbeing, prevent quality of life from deteriorating, and provide timely care and in better conditions for a family member who is suffering from a chronic illness.