The Burden Encountered by Caregivers of Hemophilia Patients and the Associated Factors in Iraq: A Field Study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54133/ajms.v9i1.2099Keywords:
Caregiver Burden, Caregiver productivity loss, Hemophilia, Socioeconomic impact, Zarit burden interviewAbstract
Background: Hemophilia demands long-term care, profoundly affecting both patients and their families. Objective: To evaluate the burden and productivity loss encountered by caregivers of hemophilia patients and associated factors in Iraq. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among caregivers of hemophilia A and B patients at the Children Welfare Teaching Hospital, Medical City, Baghdad, Iraq. Caregiver burden was measured using the Arabic version of the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI-12) via face-to-face survey. Caregivers' productivity loss was assessed by determining annual income loss and missed workdays. Data were collected from November 2024 to February 2025. Results: The study recruited 109 caregivers. The mean caregiver burden score of 29.56 reflects a high level of strain, particularly in emotional distress, stress, health impact, and loss of personal time. Families with more than one hemophiliac had significantly higher burden scores (33.79) compared to families with one patient. Mothers had the highest burden scores compared to fathers and other caregivers, but no significant difference was found among these groups. Caregivers reported an average of 16.2 missed workdays annually due to caregiving responsibilities. Conclusions: The Zarit Burden Interview revealed a high caregiver burden, especially due to emotional strain, the stress of balancing responsibilities, and health challenges. Families with multiple children with hemophilia experience an even greater burden. The study recommends providing financial aid, counseling, and mental health services to help caregivers manage emotional strain and stress.
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