Resumen
Asumir y efectuar los cuidados de los pacientes con padecimientos crónicos que ya no pueden responder a intervenciones curativas −es decir, en cuidados paliativos−, representa una carga emocional y conductual excesiva para quienes otorgan esos cuidados, lo que tiene diversas implicaciones cognitivas y efectos muy dañinos en su salud. En los países en vías de desarrollo, tal responsabilidad suele recaer en sus familiares, quienes no reciben retribución económica alguna y que se exponen a todos los estresores generados por tal situación, con graves efectos negativos en su adaptación psicológica y salud física. El presente estudio da cuenta de una intervención cognitivo-conductual en cuidadoras de pacientes en cuidados paliativos de un hospital público de Ciudad de México. Los resultados revelaron mejorías de modestas a considerables en varias conductas de autocuidado de las participantes. Los principales hallazgos se discuten en el contexto de las necesidades institucionales no cubiertas, de las recomendaciones para el diseño y administración de las intervenciones, y de las precauciones metodológicas que deben tomarse en cuenta en estudios futuros.
Citas
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