Afectaciones en la salud mental de cuidadores familiares y no familiares de personas con enfermedad terminal en la ciudad de Medellín (Colombia)

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the effects on the mental health of family and non-family caregivers of patients with terminal illness in the city of Medellín (Colombia). Conceptual References. The concepts of mental health, terminal illness, palliative care, grief, overload, caregivers and family members are described. Method. Mixed study whose instruments are a semi-structured interview and a survey applied to 30 family and non-family caregivers of people with terminal illness. Results. Research findings highlight that factors such as fear, uncertainty, helplessness, guilt and exhaustion have a significant impact on the mental health of caregivers. Furthermore, the Zarit Caregiver Overload Scale revealed that the dimensions most affected in the participants are overload in the relationship with the person who suffers from a terminal illness, emotional well-being, social and family life, and loss of control over life itself. It is interesting to note that, despite the differences in the bond and experience between family and non-family caregivers, it does not seem to be a determining factor in measuring the level of overload in each group. Finally, it is highlighted that, in the context of palliative care, ignorance and lack of interest in seeking a support network when facing a loss persist. This underlines the need to raise awareness about the importance of seeking support in palliative care and bereavement situations.