Investigation of the Factors Affecting the Quality of Life of Family Members Caring for Hospitalized Adults With Cancer: A Cross-Sectional Study.

RATIONALE

The caregiving burden is defined as problems experienced by caregivers related with the care of patient and may have some impacts on caregiver's quality of life.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

This study was aimed to determine caregiving burden and quality of life in caregivers of adults with cancer, and to investigate associations with sociodemographic characteristics of patient and caregiver, and clinical information and functional level of patients.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, a total of 322 participants were included, comprising 161 hospitalized adult cancer patients and 161 caregivers. Patients' comorbidities were assessed with the Modified Charlson Comorbidity Index, functional impairments were evaluated with Karnofsky Performance Scale, participation of daily life activities were assessed with the Barthel Index, and functional mobility were assessed with Rivermead Mobility Index. In addition, Pittsburgh Sleep Questionnaire was used to assess sleep experience in caregiver. Zarit Caregiver Burden Scale was used to evaluate caregiver burden, and City of Hope-Quality of Life-Family Version was used to assess quality of life of the caregiver.

RESULTS

Caregivers reported moderate level care burden. Caregiver's quality of life was negatively associated with cancer duration (p = 0.048) and caregiver burden (p < 0.001). In addition, it was positively associated with male gender (p = 0.001), sleep quality (p < 0.001) and functional mobility (p < 0.001) of the patients.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates that male gender, increased sleep quality and functional mobility of the patient affect the caregiver's quality of life positively, while prolonged cancer duration and higher level of care burden affect negatively. Considering these factors may be important to reduce the burden and increase the quality of life of caregiver family members.