Background and objectives Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a global health issue affecting millions of people worldwide. The role of caregivers in the management of CKD patients on dialysis cannot be overstated. This study investigates the quality of life among caregivers of patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD) for CKD at King Khalid University Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. It aims to assess the quality of life and prevalence of depression among caregivers in each dialysis modality. By recognizing significant differences in caregiving experiences between HD and PD, this research seeks to enhance understanding of caregiver burdens and overall quality of life. Materials and methods A cross-sectional study was conducted at King Khalid University Hospital and included 80 Saudi adult caregivers of CKD patients on HD or PD receiving treatment at the dialysis center in February 2023. Caregivers were recruited through phone surveys. Participants were required to be over 15 years old, free from psychiatric illnesses, co-residing with the patient, and providing care for at least one month. Results Among the 80 caregivers, 49 (61.25%) were female. A statistically significant gender distribution was observed between groups, with a higher proportion of females among PD caregivers (31 (73.81%)) compared to HD caregivers (18 (47.37%)
p=0.015). The mean age of caregivers was 41.41 years (SD=12.82). Regarding education, 55 (68.75%) caregivers had a university degree or higher, with a significantly greater proportion among PD caregivers (34 (80.95%)) than HD caregivers (21 (55.26%)
p=0.047). Depression assessments showed that 54 (67.5%) caregivers experienced minimal depression, with no significant difference between groups. However, caregivers of PD patients reported lower levels of burden, with 25 (59.5%) experiencing no to mild burden compared to 14 (36.8%) of HD caregivers, showing a trend toward significance (p=0.053). Additionally, a larger proportion of PD caregivers (30 (71.43%)) were involved in long-term care (>
24 months) compared to HD caregivers (17 (44.74%)), suggesting a potentially more sustainable caregiving role (p=0.057). Conclusion This study indicates that the quality of life for PD caregivers is generally better than that for HD caregivers, primarily due to the lower burden and higher educational level among PD caregivers. The in-center nature and frequent treatment schedule associated with HD may lead to higher levels of burden. Addressing the specific needs of caregivers based on dialysis modality can improve quality of life and enhance CKD management strategies, ultimately benefiting both patients and caregivers.