The Effect of a Relaxation Technique on Caregiver Burden in the Informal Caregivers of Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis

Introduction and purpose: Continuity of patient care in family leads to caregiver’s burden for informal caregiver that ultimately has negative effects on the patient, other family members, and the health system. However, support for informal caregivers of patients is neglected. This study was conducted to determine the effect of Benson’s relaxation exercises on the burden of patient’s caregiver hemodialysis treatment. Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted using a pre/post-test intervention data with a comparable group design. The study samples were collected from the caregivers of patients undergoing hemodialysis treatment at teaching hospitals affiliated with Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. Available sampling was used, resulting in a total sample size of 67 cases divided randomly into two groups. The intervention group participated in four sessions of Benson’s relaxation practices. The Novak and Guest survey was completed by all participants before and after the intervention. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS software (version 26) through chi-square and independent samples t-test and t-pair ANCOVA. Results: The frequency comparison of demographic information in the two intervention and comparison groups with the chi-square test did not show a significant difference (P>0.05). The mean±SD values of caregiving burden in the intervention and comparison groups before the intervention were 66.51±14.69 and 58.21±11.81, respectively. After the intervention, the corresponding values were 56.83 ±13.66 and 59.18±11.86, respectively. The comparison of the mean caregiving burden between the two groups before the intervention was not significant (T=-2.55, P=0.01); however, after the intervention, it was significant (T=0.75, P=0.45). The comparison of the mean caregiving burden in the comparison group before and after the intervention was not significant (T=-1.6, P=0.11); however, in the intervention group, the difference was significant (T=6.53, P=0.0). Before and after the intervention, there were no significant differences in overall caregiver burden of comparable group (Z=-0.57). However, in intervention group, significant differences were observed (z=-3.71, P<0.05) Conclusion: Benson’s relaxation practices were effective in reducing the burden experienced by caregivers of hemodialysis patients.