Prevalência de estresse, ansiedade e depressão na experiência de familiares cuidadores de pacientes em cuidados paliativos domiciliares

Abstract

Introduction: The experience of death lacks dialogue and confrontation, especially in the context of an aging population and the increase in chronic and incurable diseases. Consequently, the demand for palliative care, a health intervention focused on relieving suffering, promoting autonomy, and improving the quality of life for both patients and their families, is rising. The home becomes a favorable environment for this type of care, where the family caregiver may neglect their own health and face physical and emotional challenges. Objective: To identify the prevalence of stress, anxiety, and depression among family caregivers of patients receiving palliative care at home. Method: A cross-sectional, exploratory, and descriptive study, with a quantitative and qualitative data analysis, conducted at the homes of patients assisted by a Home Care Service from the public health system in Belém, PA. A Sociodemographic Questionnaire, a structured interview guide, and the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21) were used for data collection. Data were analyzed using JAMOVI 2.3.28 software and Google Excel spreadsheets. Results: The study included 20 family caregivers, 80% of whom were women. Most caregivers showed moderate levels of anxiety, and a correlation was found between caregiver burden and the severity of the patients' health conditions. No significant relationships were identified between caregiver burden and stress, anxiety, or depression. Discussion: Caregiver burden may result from various conditions within the caregiver's life context. Social support was crucial, and the severity of the patient's illness exacerbated the burden. Conclusion: Caregivers face a substantial burden due to caregiving demands. Public policies to provide adequate support and longitudinal studies to deepen the understanding of caregivers' needs are recommended.