The Burden and Social Support of Mothers of Nephrotic Syndrome Patients

Sung, Mi Hae

Abstract

This study was conducted to identity the degree of burden and social support perceived by mothers of nephrotic syndrome patients. Also, relations between burden and social support were investigated to provide basis data for their family health and nursing intervention. The study subjects were mothers of nephrotic syndrome patients whose children were hospitalized in 2 Pediatric wards of University Hospital in Seoul and 1 in Pusan from Jun. 1, 1998 to Jun. 30, 1998. Burden measurement instrument for this study was designed by the researcher and its basis in one developed by Montgomery et al.(1985) and the reliability was .78. Also. P.R.Q. Part I II, by Brandt and Weinert(1981) was used as social support measurement instrument and the reliability .71. The data analysis was done by SPSS, t-test, ANOVA, Pearson correlation. The result were as follows. 1. Burden felt by mothers shows an average value of 60.82 (Maximum 86, Standard deviation 1.244). 2. Of the mother characteristics, the score of burden was high in case of no religion and low income. Of the patient characteristics, the score burden ranked as high MCNS, doing oral therapy, injection therapy at the same time and negative perceived patients condition. 3. The mean score of support was 77.54(Maximum 96, Standard deviation 1.096). 4. The main supporters were husband(the highest), brother, sister, health speciality and the subject expressed the highest satisfaction toward supporters in chronic disease. 5. Of the patient characteristics, the higher age group and the elder group showed high support. Also, positive perceived patients condition, high support. 6. The relationship between burden and social support is not significant. In conclusion to the above study, the researcher suggests. 1. The Qualitative research to investigate influential factors on burden of family of nephrotic syndrome patients in needed.