The Patient with COPD and the Burdenof the Primary Caregiver: A DescriptiveAnalysis Study

Authors

  • Lina Marcela Vergara Jiménez Universidad del Sinú, Colombia
  • Keydis Sulay Ruydiaz Gómez Universidad de Sinú, Colombia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14482/sun.42.02.025.542

Keywords:

overload, caregivers, caregiver burnout, Zarit test

Abstract

Objective: To determine the level of caregiver burden among the main caregivers of patients with
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Methodology: A quantitative, descriptive study was conducted with a sample consisting of 74 main
caregivers of patients with COPD. The Spanish version of the Zarit Test was applied. The analysis
used descriptive statistics with frequencies and percentages.
Results: Specifically, 58% of respondents reported being afraid of the future of their relatives, while
56% think that their relative depends on them. Furthermore, 52% think that they do not have
enough financial resources to cover the expenses of caring for their relative. Notably, 63.3% think
that they should do more for their relative, and 58% think that they could take better care of their
relative. Overall, 11.3% of caregivers presented caregiver burden.
Conclusions: Caregivers are individuals with rights who require targeted attention within risk prevention
programs associated with caregiving responsibilities. Consequently, it is essential to provide
them with education and ongoing support to empower them in maintaining and promoting
their own health.

Author Biographies

  • Lina Marcela Vergara Jiménez , Universidad del Sinú, Colombia

    Nurse. Master in Sexual and Reproductive Health. Professor, Corporación
    Universitaria Rafael Núñez, Universidad del Sinú, Nursing Program, Cartagena
    (Colombia). limaveji@gmail.com. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9611-9334

  • Keydis Sulay Ruydiaz Gómez, Universidad de Sinú, Colombia

    Nurse. PhD in Nursing. Research professor, Universidad de Sinú EBZ, School of
    Nursing, Cartagena (Colombia). keydiruidiazg@gmail.com. https://orcid.
    org/0000-0001-9335-8930

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Published

2026-07-09

Issue

Section

ORIGINAL ARTICLE

How to Cite

The Patient with COPD and the Burdenof the Primary Caregiver: A DescriptiveAnalysis Study. (2026). SCIENTIFIC JOURNAL SALUD UNINORTE, 42(2), 241-253. https://doi.org/10.14482/sun.42.02.025.542

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