Family Caregivers of Adult Cancer Patients in Oman: Predictors of Caregivers' Self-efficacy for Cancer Pain and Related Symptom Management at Home.

BACKGROUND

Family caregivers (FCGs) contribute significantly to the management of pain and other symptoms experienced by their family member with cancer and may not receive preparation to meet the changing patient needs.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to identify the predictors of FCG self-efficacy (SE) for pain and related symptom management of adult family members with cancer.

METHODS

Data were collected from 165 Omani FCGs. The questionnaire comprised the caregiver cancer pain and related symptom management SE scale, the Katz index, Caregiver Reaction Assessment, and Family Pain Questionnaire. Electronic medical records provided data on patients' cancer diagnosis, pain, and symptoms. Predictors of SE were examined using linear regression analysis.

RESULTS

Most FCGs were female (58.2%) and children of the patient (53.9%). Most patients were on chemotherapy or palliative care (82.4%) and had at least stage 3 cancer (58.8%). Family caregivers reported average SE. The predictors of SE were as follows: patients' functional status (β = 40.90, P = .001), patients' pain intensity (β = -15.10, P = .036), FCGs' confidence in controlling the patients' pain (β = 28.80, P = .000), FCGs' self-rated health (β = -25.90, P = .038), and interaction of FCGs' knowledge level with patients' pain intensity (β = -1.31, P = .008), caregiving hours (β = -0.10, P = .025), and impact of caregiving on FCGs' physical health (β = 1.29, P = .031).

CONCLUSION

Family caregivers' health status, knowledge, caregiving demands, patient functional status, and pain intensity have a significant effect on caregivers' symptom management.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

A deliberate model of care that includes supportive interventions to enhance the abilities of FCGs with symptom management is needed in Oman.