1 Punjab Institute of Cardiology. Email: akhtarnimra382@gmail.com
2 Punjab Institute of Cardiology. Email: ahuma5415@gmail.com
3 Msn, Mhpe Scholar, National University of Medical Sciences, Rawalpindi, Pakistan. Email: zarina_nazsalim@yahoo.com
4 The University of Lahore. Email: iramjamil18@gmail.com
5 The University of Lahore. Email: iqraumar312@gmail.com
6* The University of Lahore. Email: Muhammad.azam@lsn.uol.edu.pk (Corresponding Author)
Background
Heart failure (HF) is one of the most common chronic cardiovascular conditions worldwide and is associated with high morbidity and long-term care needs. Family caregivers play a vital role in supporting patients with heart failure and assisting in their daily management. However, the continuous responsibilities of caregiving can place a considerable physical and psychological burden on caregivers, often leading to increased stress levels and symptoms of depression.
Aim
The present study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a structured counseling intervention in reducing caregiver burden, perceived stress, and depressive symptoms among caregivers of patients with heart failure.
Methods
A quasi-experimental research design was used for this study. A total of 60 caregivers of patients with heart failure were recruited through consecutive sampling and assigned to experimental and control groups. Caregivers in the experimental group received a 30-minute structured counseling session delivered individually through telephone. Baseline data were collected before the intervention, and a follow-up assessment was conducted one month later via telephone. Data were collected using standardized tools including the Caregiver Burden Interview, Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) to measure caregiver burden, perceived stress, and depression.
Results
The findings demonstrated that caregivers in the experimental group showed a significant reduction in caregiver burden, perceived stress, and depression scores one month after the counseling intervention (P = 0.001). Female caregivers reported significantly higher levels of caregiver burden and depression compared with male caregivers. Furthermore, caregivers living in nuclear family settings exhibited significantly greater caregiver burden and depressive symptoms. A significant positive correlation was also found between stress levels and the presence of comorbidities, as well as between depression and comorbid conditions.
Conclusion
The study findings indicate that structured counseling is an effective intervention for reducing caregiver burden and improving psychological well-being among caregivers of patients with heart failure.
Keywords: Heart failure, caregiver burden, structured counseling, perceived stress, depression, family caregivers
How to cite this article: Akhtar N, Ali H, Naz Z, Gill I P, Ditta I A, Azam M. Effect of a Structured Supportive Counseling Intervention on Caregiver Burden, Emotional Distress, and Quality of Life Among Family Caregivers of Patients with Heart Failure. Int J Drug Deliv Technol. 2026;16(19s): 385-394. DOI: 10.25258/ijddt.16.19s.46
Source of support: Nil.
Conflict of interest: None