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Jabeen S, Zakar R, Zakar MZ, Fischer F. Experiences of family caregivers in dealing with cases of advanced breast cancer: a qualitative study of the sociocultural context in Punjab, Pakistan. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:1030. [PMID: 38609905 PMCID: PMC11015732 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18404-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with advanced breast cancer require consistent help and support from family caregivers. These caregivers often endure financial burdens and psychological stress, with their experiences significantly influenced by sociocultural factors. This study aims to explore the experiences of family caregivers of advanced breast cancer patients in Punjab province, Pakistan. METHODS Data was collected through in-depth interviews with fifteen family caregivers of advanced breast cancer patients in three major cities of Punjab, Pakistan. Caregivers, who had been in close contact with the patient for the last two years, were purposively sampled from five major hospitals. The data was analyzed using thematic analysis. RESULTS The study revealed that the experiences of family caregivers are deeply rooted in the sociocultural context. Key themes identified include social responsibility and cultural reciprocity norms; limited awareness and mobility options for caregivers; financial responsibility and strain; impacts of beauty myths and shyness on caregiving attitudes and decisions; the stressful and emotional nature of caregiving; treatment perspectives influenced by social groups; challenges in consulting male physicians and associated stigma; the role of religious beliefs in caregiving; and stress management, with religion often being a coping mechanism. These factors can contribute to delayed treatment decisions for patients. CONCLUSIONS Family caregivers are crucial in facilitating timely treatment decisions for advanced breast cancer patients in the Pakistani context. To minimize treatment delays and alleviate caregiver stress, addressing sociocultural barriers in care-seeking is essential. A tailored approach, considering sociocultural and religious factors, is imperative for the management and early diagnosis of breast cancer, necessitating appropriate policymaking and implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sadia Jabeen
- Department of Sociology, Virtual University of Pakistan, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Rubeena Zakar
- Institute of Social and Cultural Studies, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | | | - Florian Fischer
- Institute of Public Health, Charité- Universitätsmedizin Berlin Institute of Public Health, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany.
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ERASLAN P, İLHAN A. The relationships between health anxiety and intolerance of uncertainty with quality of life in caregivers of cancer patients. FAMILY PRACTICE AND PALLIATIVE CARE 2023. [DOI: 10.22391/fppc.1172873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: A cancer diagnosis is often met with fear and distress in the patient and their family. Cancer also presents many psychosocial challenges for the patient and family caregiver. We aimed to investigate the relationships between health anxiety and intolerance of uncertainty regarding the quality of life in caregivers of cancer patients.Methods: A total of 83 cancer patients’ caregivers were included in the study. A sociodemographic information form, Health Anxiety Scale (HAS), Quality of Life Scale – Family Version (QoL-FV), and Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale (IUS-12), were given to participants to respond. Correlations between the study scale and sub-scale scores were evaluated. Two groups were formed as those with HAS scores greater than and less than the median. It was evaluated whether these groups differed in terms of IUS-12, QoL-FV-Total and QoL-FV subscale scores.Results: Median (IQR) scores of HAS, QoL-FV-Total and IUS-12 were 18.0 (10.0-25.0), 173.0 (145.0-206.0), and 29.0 (23.0-42.0), respectively. There was a significant positive correlation (r=0.469, p<0.001) between HAS scores and IUS-12 scores and a significant negative correlation (r=-0.328, p=0.002) between QoL-FV-Total scores. There was no significant correlation (r=-0.084, p=0.452) between QoL-FV-Total and IUS-12 scores. The IUS-12 score (median (IQR); 24.0 (20.0-27.0) vs 39.5 (31.5-45.0), p<0.001) was significantly lower and the QoL-FV-total score (median (IQR); 206.0 (157.5-263.5) vs 157.5 (142.25-176.0), p<0.001) and QoL-FV subscale scores were significantly higher in the HAS-low group than in the HAS-high group.Conclusions: Health anxiety may be one of the negative factors for quality of life in caregivers of cancer patients. More research is needed to explore the factors that predict and protect against health anxiety, which is thought to affect the quality of life of caregivers of cancer patients. Also, psychological intervention studies aiming at the relationship between health anxiety and the quality of life in caregivers of cancer patients are needed.Keywords: Caregivers, Uncertainty, Health Behavior, Anxiety, Quality of Life
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Affiliation(s)
- Pınar ERASLAN
- Psychiatry Outpatient Clinic, Presidential Medical Unit, Ankara
| | - Ayşegül İLHAN
- Department of Medical Oncology, UHS Dr. Abdurrahman Yurtaslan Ankara Oncology Training and Research Hospital, Ankara
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Finlayson CS, Rosa WE, Mathew S, Applebaum A, Squires A, Fu MR. Awareness of Disease Status Among Patients With Cancer: An Integrative Review. Cancer Nurs 2023; Publish Ahead of Print:00002820-990000000-00091. [PMID: 36728162 PMCID: PMC10349894 DOI: 10.1097/ncc.0000000000001170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND As the quality of cancer care improves, oncology patients face a rapidly increasing number of treatment options. Thus, it is vital that they are full and active partners in the treatment decision-making process. Awareness of disease status has been investigated in the literature; it has been inconsistently conceptualized and operationalized. OBJECTIVE The aim of this integrative review was to develop a conceptual definition and model of the awareness of disease status among patients with cancer. METHODS Whittemore and Knafl's integrative review methodology guided this article. We obtained data through a systematic search of 8 databases. Key terms utilized were awareness, perception, truth disclosure, diagnosis, prognosis, terminal illness, status, neoplasm, and metastasis. Dates through January 2020 were searched to capture all relevant articles. Sixty-nine articles met inclusion criteria. RESULTS The integrative review methodology guided the development of a conceptual definition and model. The concept of "awareness of disease status" was defined as the individual patient's understanding of being diagnosed and treated for cancer based on the multifactorial components of individual patient characteristics and contextually driven communication practices of healthcare providers. This understanding is dynamic and changes throughout the disease trajectory. CONCLUSION These findings will inform consistency in the literature. Such consistency may improve person-centered clinical communication, care planning practices, and, ultimately, cancer-related outcomes. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE With a greater understanding of the complexity of patients' awareness of disease status, nurses will be able to guide their patients to make informed decisions throughout their disease trajectory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine S Finlayson
- Author Affiliations: Department of PhD in Nursing, Pace University Lienhard School of Nursing, Pleasantville (Dr Finlayson and Ms Mathew); and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (Drs Rosa and Applebaum); New York University Rory Meyers College of Nursing (Dr Squires), New York; and Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey School of Nursing, New Brunswick, New Jersey (Dr Fu)
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Satija A, Bhatnagar S, Ozdemir S, Finkelstein E, Maholtra C, Teo I, Yang GM. Patients' Awareness of Advanced Disease Status, Psychological Distress and Quality of Life Among Patients With Advanced Cancer: Results From the APPROACH Study, India. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2021; 39:772-778. [PMID: 34477010 DOI: 10.1177/10499091211042837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prognostic disclosure to patients with advanced cancer facilitates treatment decisions and goals of care discussions. However, the perspectives of patients, families and physicians differ in this regard across different cultures. Non-disclosure of cancer diagnosis or prognosis is commonly observed in family-centric cultures such as India. AIM To assess the prevalence of and factors associated with cancer patients' awareness of advanced disease status; and its with quality of life and psychological distress. METHODS Patients for this cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey were recruited from oncology and palliative medicine clinics at a tertiary cancer hospital in India from January 2017 to June 2018. Patients aged ≥ 21 years, aware of cancer diagnosis and receiving oncology treatment for Stage IV solid cancer were included in the study after obtaining written informed consent. RESULTS Two hundred patients were enrolled, of which 146 (73%) were not aware of the stage of their malignancy and 9 (4.5%) believed that their disease was at stage I, II or III. Those who were aware of their advanced cancer stage had more years of education (9.9 years vs 8.1 years, p = .05) and had poorer spiritual wellbeing in the faith domain (adjusted difference -1.6, 95% confidence interval -3.1 to -0.1, p = .03) compared to those who were unaware. CONCLUSION It is recommended that future studies may explore prognostic understanding in Indian patients according to their socio-cultural, spiritual and educational background.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aanchal Satija
- Dr B.R. Ambedkar Institute Rotary Cancer Hospital, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Sushma Bhatnagar
- Department of Onco-Anaesthesia and Palliative Medicine, Dr B.R. Ambedkar Institute Rotary Cancer Hospital, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Semra Ozdemir
- Lien Centre for Palliative Care, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Eric Finkelstein
- Lien Centre for Palliative Care, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Chetna Maholtra
- Lien Centre for Palliative Care, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Irene Teo
- Lien Centre for Palliative Care, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore.,Department of Psychosocial Oncology, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Grace Meijuan Yang
- Lien Centre for Palliative Care, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore.,Division of Supportive and Palliative Care, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.,Department of General Medicine, Sengkang General Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
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Loučka M, Vlčková K, Tučková A, Poláková K, Houska A, Matějů M, Donátová Z. Prognostic awareness in advanced cancer patients and their caregivers: A longitudinal cohort study. Psychooncology 2021; 30:1449-1456. [PMID: 33864323 DOI: 10.1002/pon.5704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Revised: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to analyse longitudinal development of prognostic awareness in advanced cancer patients and their families. METHODS This was a longitudinal cohort study, involving 134 adult cancer patients, 91 primary family caregivers and 21 treating oncologists. Key eligibility criterion for patients was life expectancy less than 1 year (estimated by their oncologists using the 12-month surprised question). Structured interviews, including tools to measure prognostic awareness, health information needs, and demographics were conducted face to face or via phone three times over 9 months. Forty-four patients completed all three phases of data collection. RESULTS Only 16% of patients reported accurate prognostic awareness, 58% being partially aware. Prognostic awareness of both patients and family caregivers remained stable over the course of the study, with only small non-significant changes. Gender, education, type of cancer, spirituality or health information needs were not associated with the level of prognostic awareness. Family caregivers reported more accurate prognostic awareness, which was not associated with patients' own prognostic awareness (agreement rate 59%, weighted kappa 0.348, CI = 0.185-0.510). CONCLUSIONS Prognostic awareness appears to be a stable concept over the course of the illness. Clinicians must focus on the initial patients' understanding of the disease and be able to communicate the prognostic information effectively from the early stages of patients' trajectory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Loučka
- Center for Palliative Care, Prague, Czech Republic.,Division of Medical Psychology, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Karolína Vlčková
- Center for Palliative Care, Prague, Czech Republic.,Division of Medical Psychology, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Anna Tučková
- Center for Palliative Care, Prague, Czech Republic.,Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Kristýna Poláková
- Center for Palliative Care, Prague, Czech Republic.,Division of Medical Psychology, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Adam Houska
- Center for Palliative Care, Prague, Czech Republic.,Division of Medical Psychology, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Matějů
- Department of Oncology, First Faculty of Medicine and General University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Zuzana Donátová
- Department of Oncology, First Faculty of Medicine and Thomayer Hospital, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
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Pelit Aksu S, Şentürk Erenel A. Caregiver Burden and the Level of Perceived Social Support of Caregivers Helping with Inpatient Care of Patients with Gynecologic Cancer. FLORENCE NIGHTINGALE JOURNAL OF NURSING 2021; 29:113-123. [PMID: 34263229 PMCID: PMC8137736 DOI: 10.5152/fnjn.2021.19085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2019] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
AIM This study aimed to determine the caregiver burden and the level of perceived social support of caregivers helping with inpatient care of patients with gynecologic cancer. METHOD This was a descriptive study. The research sample included 227 caregivers. These caregivers, whose informed consent was obtained, assisted in the inpatient care in gynecologic oncology clinics of 3 hospitals in Ankara, Turkey. The research data were collected using an information form developed to define the characteristics of patients and their caregivers. The Zarit Caregiver Burden Scale and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support were used. RESULTS The average caregiving duration of the caregivers was 8.63±13.06 days. Their age, educational status, income, employment status, the number of children and duration of caregiving, sharing the caregiving, the difficulties faced during the caregiving significantly affected the caregiver burden and the perceived social support. It was found that there is a moderate, negative, and significant relationship between the scores of caregiver burden and perceived social support. CONCLUSION On the basis of these results, the nurses should adopt an integrated approach while providing care for patients with gynecologic cancer and plan the care by including the caregivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sıdıka Pelit Aksu
- Department of Nursing, Gazi University Faculty of Health Science, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ayten Şentürk Erenel
- Department of Nursing, Gazi University Faculty of Health Science, Ankara, Turkey
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Kang E, Keam B, Lee NR, Kang JH, Kim YJ, Shim HJ, Jung KH, Koh SJ, Ryu H, Lee J, Choo J, Yoo SH, Yun YH. Impact of family caregivers' awareness of the prognosis on their quality of life/depression and those of patients with advanced cancer: a prospective cohort study. Support Care Cancer 2020; 29:397-407. [PMID: 32372177 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-020-05489-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE A caregiver's prognostic awareness can affect clinical decisions for the patient. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of family caregivers' prognostic awareness on the quality of life (QOL) and emotional state of both patients with advanced cancer and their caregivers. METHODS This prospective cohort study was conducted from December of 2016 to January of 2018. A total of 159 patients with advanced cancer and an equal number of caregivers participated. The investigation tools used include the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-C15-Palliative, the McGill Quality of Life Questionnaire, and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, and evaluation was performed at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months. Covariance analysis with a general linear modeling was used to compare changes in quality of life scores according to the caregivers' awareness of the prognosis. RESULTS Mean patient overall QOL score increased in the group of caregivers who were aware of prognosis and decreased in the caregivers who were not aware of the prognosis (p = 0.018). The changes over time in the patients' QOL scores associated with symptoms improved with caregiver awareness (pain, p = 0.017; dyspnea, p = 0.048; appetite loss, p = 0.045). The percentage of depressed patients was smaller after 3 months in the group with caregivers aware of the prognosis (baseline to 3 months p = 0.028). Caregivers who did not understand their patients' prognosis exhibited better existential well-being (p = 0.036), and the incidence of depression was lower in this group at 3 months (p = 0.024). CONCLUSION Caregivers' prognostic awareness may improve the quality of life and mood in patients with advanced cancer; however, this awareness may harm the quality of life and mood of the caregivers. These results may aid in developing in-depth interventions regarding prognosis for both patients and their caregivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- EunKyo Kang
- Department of Family Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea.,Institute for Public Health and Medical Service, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Bhumsuk Keam
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Na-Ri Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju, South Korea
| | - Jung Hun Kang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gyeongsang University Hospital, Jinju, South Korea
| | - Yu Jung Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam, South Korea
| | - Hyun-Jeong Shim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, South Korea
| | - Kyung Hae Jung
- Department of Oncology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Su-Jin Koh
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Ulsan University Hospital, Ulsan University College of Medicine, Ulsan, South Korea
| | - Hyewon Ryu
- Internal Medicine, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, Chungnam, South Korea
| | - Jihye Lee
- Department of Medical Informatics, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 103 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jiyeon Choo
- Department of Medical Informatics, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 103 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Shin Hye Yoo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Young Ho Yun
- Department of Family Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea. .,Department of Medical Informatics, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 103 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea.
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8
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Vlckova K, Tuckova A, Polakova K, Loucka M. Factors associated with prognostic awareness in patients with cancer: A systematic review. Psychooncology 2020; 29:990-1003. [DOI: 10.1002/pon.5385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2019] [Revised: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Vlckova
- Center for Palliative Care Prague Czech Republic
- First Faculty of MedicineCharles University Prague Czech Republic
| | - Anna Tuckova
- Center for Palliative Care Prague Czech Republic
- Faculty of Social SciencesCharles University Prague Czech Republic
| | | | - Martin Loucka
- Center for Palliative Care Prague Czech Republic
- Third Faculty of MedicineCharles University Prague Czech Republic
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9
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Parsel SM, Barton BM, Beatty S, Friedlander PL. Knowledge Gaps among Patients and Providers in HPV-Related Oropharyngeal Cancer: A Systematic Review. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2020; 162:612-621. [DOI: 10.1177/0194599820908596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
ObjectiveTo describe the level of knowledge of human papillomavirus (HPV) and HPV-associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) among the general population and health care providers.Data SourcesSystematic search was performed on December 20, 2018, using MEDLINE (1966 to December 2018), EMBASE (1975 to December 2018), Web of Science (1900 to December 2018), and CENTRAL (1996 to December 2018) databases. English-language literature involving human subjects was used, and studies were limited to case series, case-control, cohort, and randomized controlled trial designs.Review MethodsStudies were included if they assessed knowledge of HPV and HPV-associated OPSCC. The primary outcome measure was the knowledge of HPV-associated OPSCC among the general population and with health care providers. Meta-analysis of proportions was attempted using random-effects model. The PRISMA guidelines were used for accuracy of reporting.ResultsThirty-two studies were included with 17,288 participants. There was a high degree of heterogeneity preventing completion of a meta-analysis. Knowledge of HPV and HPV-associated OPSCC varied between the general population and health care providers. The proportion of the general population and health care providers with knowledge of HPV ranged from 16% to 75% and 21% to 84%, respectively. Knowledge of HPV-associated OPSCC was greater in health care providers and ranged from 22% to 100% compared with the general population, which ranged from 7% to 57%.ConclusionThere is a knowledge gap of HPV-associated OPSCC for both the general population and health care providers. Additional education may not only increase awareness but may also result in prevention and earlier detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean M. Parsel
- Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Blair M. Barton
- Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Sydney Beatty
- Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Paul L. Friedlander
- Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
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Abdullah NN, Idris IB, Shamsuddin K, Abdullah NMA. Health-related quality of life in Malaysian gastrointestinal cancer patients and their family caregivers-a comparison study. Support Care Cancer 2019; 28:1891-1899. [PMID: 31359181 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-019-05007-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2018] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Gastrointestinal (GI) cancer has emerged as a major health problem. Cancer patients receive informal care from their families beyond formal care. There has been little evidence showing how the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of the caregivers differs from that of the GI patients in Malaysia. A cross-sectional study was conducted in three referral hospitals in Malaysia. The objectives of this study were to determine the HRQOL of GI cancer patients and their family caregivers, and assess whether there is any significant relationship between the demographic factors, and the physical component summary (PCS) and mental component summary (MCS) scores for patients and caregivers. METHODS A total of 323 dyads of GI cancer patients and their caregivers completed the Medical Outcomes Study 12-item Short Form (MOS SF-12) questionnaire to measure their HRQOL during face-to-face interviews. The analyses were performed using SF-12 scoring software to compute PCS and MCS scores (HRQOL parameters). The independent t test, one-way ANOVA, and the Pearson correlation test were conducted to determine the demographic factors related to the HRQOL of the dyads. RESULTS The caregivers had higher scores in all domains for the SF-12 than the patients. There were significant differences found in the MCS scores of the patients according to ethnicity, origin of cancer, duration of cancer, and surgery. None of these factors had a significant relationship with the caregivers' HRQOL. CONCLUSION Caregivers had better HRQOL than cancer patients. Early intervention for cancer patients in the form of counselling and personalised pain management may enhance the HRQOL of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nik Nairan Abdullah
- Department of Community Health, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Yaacob Latif, 56000, Bandar Tun Razak, Cheras, Malaysia. .,Department of Public Health Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, 47000, Sungai Buloh, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | - Idayu Badilla Idris
- Department of Community Health, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Yaacob Latif, 56000, Bandar Tun Razak, Cheras, Malaysia
| | - Khadijah Shamsuddin
- Department of Community Health, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Yaacob Latif, 56000, Bandar Tun Razak, Cheras, Malaysia
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Chen JS, Wen FH, Chou WC, Hsieh CH, Chang WC, Tang ST. Terminally Ill Cancer Patients' Distinct Symptom-Functional Patterns/States Are Differentially Associated with Their Accurate Prognostic Awareness in the Last Six Months of Life. J Palliat Med 2019; 22:782-789. [DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2018.0538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jen-Shi Chen
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan
- Chang Gung University School of Medicine, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan
| | - Fur-Hsing Wen
- Department of International Business, Soochow University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Chi Chou
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan
- Chang Gung University School of Medicine, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Hsun Hsieh
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan
- Chang Gung University School of Medicine, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Cheng Chang
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan
- Chang Gung University School of Medicine, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan
| | - Siew Tzuh Tang
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan
- School of Nursing, Chang Gung University, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan
- Department of Nursing, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Kaohsiung, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
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12
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Sato T, Soejima K, Fujisawa D, Takeuchi M, Arai D, Nakachi I, Naoki K, Kawada I, Yasuda H, Ishioka K, Nukaga S, Kobayashi K, Masaki K, Inoue T, Hikima K, Nakamura M, Ohgino K, Oyamada Y, Funatsu Y, Terashima T, Miyao N, Sayama K, Saito F, Sakamaki F, Betsuyaku T. Prognostic Understanding at Diagnosis and Associated Factors in Patients with Advanced Lung Cancer and Their Caregivers. Oncologist 2018; 23:1218-1229. [PMID: 30120158 DOI: 10.1634/theoncologist.2017-0329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2017] [Accepted: 02/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prognostic understanding in advanced cancer patients and their caregivers may have an impact on the delivery of effective care. The aims of this study were to explore prognostic understanding at diagnosis in both patients with advanced lung cancer and their caregivers and to investigate correlates of their understanding. SUBJECTS, MATERIALS, AND METHODS A total of 193 patients with newly diagnosed advanced lung cancer and their 167 caregivers were enrolled at 16 hospitals in Japan. We assessed their perceptions of prognosis and goals of therapy and examined their associations with their sociodemographic characteristics, clinical status, quality of life, mood symptoms, and the status of disclosure of information by their treating physicians. RESULTS One fifth of patients and caregivers (21.7% and 17.6%, respectively) mistakenly believed that the patients' cancer was "completely curable." Substantial proportions of them (16.9% and 10.3%, respectively) mistakenly believed that the primary goal of therapy was to remove all the cancer. Levels of anxiety and depression in both patients and caregivers were significantly higher among those who had accurate understanding of prognosis. In multivariate analyses, inaccurate perceptions of prognosis in patients were associated with sex, better emotional well-being, and lower lung cancer-specific symptom burden. Caregivers' inaccurate perceptions of patients' prognoses were associated with better performance status and better emotional well-being of patients. CONCLUSION Substantial proportions of advanced lung cancer patients and their caregivers misunderstood their prognosis. Interventions to improve their accurate prognostic understanding should be developed with careful attention paid to its associated factors. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE This study demonstrated that substantial proportions of patients with newly diagnosed advanced lung cancer and their caregivers had misunderstandings about their prognosis. Accurate perceptions of prognosis, which are indispensable in the delivery of effective care, were associated with elevated levels of anxiety and depression in both patients and caregivers, warranting psychosocial care and support for them immediately after diagnosis. Inaccurate perceptions of prognosis in patients were associated with better emotional well-being and lower lung cancer-specific symptom burden. Illness understanding in caregivers was associated with patients' physical and mental status. Those findings provide insight into how they obtain accurate illness understanding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Sato
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Sano-kosei General Hospital, Sano, Japan
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Kenzo Soejima
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Clinical and Translational Research Center, Keio University Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Daisuke Fujisawa
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Palliative Care Center, Keio University Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mari Takeuchi
- Palliative Care Center, Keio University Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Daisuke Arai
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Pulmonary Division, Internal Medicine, Saiseikai Utsunomiya Hospital, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Ichiro Nakachi
- Pulmonary Division, Internal Medicine, Saiseikai Utsunomiya Hospital, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Katsuhiko Naoki
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ichiro Kawada
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Yasuda
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kota Ishioka
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shigenari Nukaga
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Keigo Kobayashi
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Katsunori Masaki
- Pulmonary Division, Internal Medicine, Saiseikai Utsunomiya Hospital, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Takashi Inoue
- Department of Internal Medicine, Sano-kosei General Hospital, Sano, Japan
| | - Kota Hikima
- Department of Internal Medicine, Sano-kosei General Hospital, Sano, Japan
| | - Morio Nakamura
- Department of Medicine, Tokyo Saiseikai Central Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Keiko Ohgino
- Department of Medicine, Tokyo Saiseikai Central Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshitaka Oyamada
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, National Hospital Organization Tokyo Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yohei Funatsu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, National Hospital Organization Tokyo Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takeshi Terashima
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Tokyo Dental College, Chiba, Japan
| | - Naoki Miyao
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nippon Kokan Hospital, Kanagawa, Japan
| | | | - Fumitake Saito
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Eiju General Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Fumio Sakamaki
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Medicine, Tokai University Hachioji Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomoko Betsuyaku
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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Acute impact of home parenteral nutrition in patients with late-stage cancer on family caregivers: preliminary data. Support Care Cancer 2017; 26:667-671. [PMID: 28921385 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-017-3884-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2017] [Accepted: 09/11/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Since there is no information regarding quality of life of caregivers assisting patients with advanced malignancy on home parenteral nutrition, herewith we report a preliminary series of 19 patients who received total parenteral nutrition at home under the strict supervision of their relatives. METHODS The relatives of 19 incurable patients with cancer-related cachexia, discharged from the hospital with a home parenteral nutrition program, were prospectively studied. They filled out a validated questionnaire, the Family Strain Questionnaire Short Form, prior to patient discharge and after 2 weeks of home care. The questionnaire included 30 items, which explored different domains regarding the superimposed burden on caregivers in relation to the assistance given to their relatives. RESULTS Our findings show that the basal level of strain was relatively high (about three quarters of positive answers) but did not increase after 2 weeks of home care. Similarly, there was no difference in the nutritional status and quality of life of the patients. Eight patients and their relatives could be also analyzed after 2 months and the results maintained unchanged. CONCLUSION This preliminary investigation shows that home parenteral nutrition does not exacerbate the level of strain on caregivers involved in surveillance of such a supportive intervention. It is possible that the perception of an active contribution to the benefit of patients, who maintained unchanged their nutritional status and quality of life, could gratify caregivers despite the objective burden in the constant supervision of administering Parenteral Nutrition.
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Aydogan U, Doganer YC, Komurcu S, Ozturk B, Ozet A, Saglam K. Coping Attitudes of Cancer Patients and Their Caregivers and Quality of Life of Caregivers. Indian J Palliat Care 2016; 22:150-6. [PMID: 27162425 PMCID: PMC4843553 DOI: 10.4103/0973-1075.179598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Backgrounds and Aim: Cancer process is a traumatic period for both patients and their caregivers. Caregivers of the patients use various coping methods to minimize the effects of anxiety-creating negativities in their daily lives. The present study aimed to examine the coping attitudes adopted by the patients and caregivers and the effects of this process upon the quality of life (QoL) of caregivers. Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted on three groups of (i) 74 patients consisting of those hospitalized in the department of medical oncology in tertiary care hospital or coming to the health center for chemotherapy treatment as cancer outpatients and (ii) 46 caregivers of patients; and control group 46 healthy individuals. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with the study patients to administer a short sociodemographic questionnaire, coping attitudes assessment scale (COPE), and Short Form-36 (SF-36) QoL scale. Results: Statistically significant differences were recorded among patients, caregivers, and control groups in terms of “problem-focused coping” and “dysfunctional coping” the COPE scale (P = 0.001, P = 0.017). According to scores taken from the SF-36 scale, there was a statistically significant difference between caregivers and control groups in all parameters (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Patients and caregivers should be encouraged to use the coping methods related to the source of the problem rather than the dysfunctional coping methods. Evaluation of the QoL indicators of not only the patients but also their caregivers enables to formulate a more integrated approach and detection of the expectations of the caregivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Umit Aydogan
- Department of Family Medicine, Gulhane Military Medical Faculty, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Yusuf C Doganer
- Department of Family Medicine, Turkish Military Academy, Primary Care Examination Center, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Seref Komurcu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Memorial Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Bekir Ozturk
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hisar Intercontinental Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ahmet Ozet
- Department of Medical Oncology, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Kenan Saglam
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gulhane Military Medical Faculty, Ankara, Turkey
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Nie X, Ye D, Wang Q, Manyande A, Yang L, Qiu H, Chao T, Zhang P, Gong C, Zhuang L, Yu S, Xiong H. Poor-prognosis disclosure preference in cancer patient-caregiver dyads and its association with their quality of life and perceived stress: a cross-sectional survey in mainland China. Psychooncology 2015; 25:1099-105. [PMID: 26643744 DOI: 10.1002/pon.4055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2014] [Revised: 09/14/2015] [Accepted: 11/13/2015] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study attempted to examine the discordance between family caregivers and cancer patients in their poor-prognosis disclosure preferences in mainland China and then ascertained the associations between quality of life (QoL), perceived stress, and poor-prognosis disclosure preferences. METHODS Six hundred fifty-one pairs of inpatients and their matched caregivers (participation rate = 92.2%) were recruited in this cross-sectional survey. A set of paired self-administered questionnaires were completed independently by patient-caregiver dyads. RESULTS Fewer family caregivers than cancer patients felt that poor prognosis should be disclosed to patients (61.2% vs. 90.0%, p < 0.001). Patients' positive poor-prognosis disclosure preference was associated with patients' better QoL (p < 0.05) and caregivers' reduced perceived stress levels (p = 0.013). However, caregivers' poor-prognosis disclosure preference correlated only with their own physical state (p = 0.028). Moreover, the caregivers who concurred with patients in positive poor-prognosis disclosure preference were more likely to experience a better QoL (p < 0.05) and lower perceived stress levels (p = 0.048) in the III-IV stage subgroup. CONCLUSIONS There was a significant discrepancy in poor-prognosis disclosure preference between cancer patients and caregivers in China. The caregivers' preference of concealing poor prognosis from patients was not related to cancer patients' QoL or perceived stress. In addition, caregivers had better QoL and lower stress levels when they held the same positive poor-prognosis disclosure preference as the patients. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Nie
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Dawei Ye
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Qiming Wang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
| | - Anne Manyande
- School of Psychology, Social Work and Human Sciences, University of West London, London, UK
| | - Lin Yang
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Hong Qiu
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Tengfei Chao
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Peng Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Chen Gong
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Liang Zhuang
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Shiying Yu
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Huihua Xiong
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
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Molavi Vardanjani H, Baneshi MR, Haghdoost A. Cancer Visibility among Iranian Familial Networks: To What Extent Can We Rely on Family History Reports? PLoS One 2015; 10:e0136038. [PMID: 26308087 PMCID: PMC4550411 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0136038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2015] [Accepted: 07/30/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Patients' unawareness of their cancer diagnosis (PUAW) and their tendency for non-disclosure (TTND) to relatives leads to a lack of cancer visibility among familial networks. Lack of familial cancer visibility could affect the accuracy of family cancer history (FCH) reports. In this study, we investigated familial cancer visibility and its potential determinants. PATIENTS AND METHODS A sample of patients with a confirmed cancer diagnosis was interviewed. Participants were asked about their number of relatives, number of their relatives who are aware about the cancer diagnosis, and the number of relatives from whom they intended to conceal their diagnosis. PUAW was also assessed. Point estimates and 95% confidence intervals were calculated using the bootstrap technique. Multivariate analyses were conducted using mixed Poisson and logistic regression analyses. RESULTS A total of 415 participants with a mean age of 53±15 years and a male to female ratio of 0.53 were enrolled in this study. The rates of PUAW, TTND, and familial cancer visibility in the total sample were 0.20 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.16, 0.24), 0.16 (95% CI: 0.12, 0.19), and 0.86 (95% CI: 0.83, 0.89), respectively. PUAW (adjusted rate ratio (RR) = 1.32, 95% CI: 1.27, 1.38), TTND (RR = 0.92, 95% CI: 0.91, 0.93), and the patients' gender (RR = 0.92, 95% CI: 0.82, 0.95) were the most important determinants of familial cancer visibility. CONCLUSION Familial cancer visibility may be a point of concern among the Iranian population. Self-reported cancer histories and FCHs may have low sensitivities (not exceeding 80% and 86%, respectively) in this population. However, these estimates may vary across different societies, because of societal and cultural contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hossein Molavi Vardanjani
- Research Center for Modeling in Health, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Baneshi
- Research Center for Modeling in Health, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - AliAkbar Haghdoost
- Regional Knowledge Hub, and WHO Collaborating Center for HIV Surveillance, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
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Choi J, Tate JA, Hoffman LA, Schulz R, Ren D, Donahoe MP, Given BA, Sherwood PR. Fatigue in family caregivers of adult intensive care unit survivors. J Pain Symptom Manage 2014; 48:353-63. [PMID: 24439845 PMCID: PMC4101057 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2013.09.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2013] [Revised: 09/09/2013] [Accepted: 09/15/2013] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Family caregivers are a vital resource in the recovery of intensive care unit (ICU) survivors. Of concern, the stress associated with this role can negatively affect caregiver health. Fatigue, an important health indicator, has been identified as a predictor of various illnesses, greater use of health services, and early mortality. Examining the impact of fatigue on caregivers' physical health can assist in identifying critical time points and potential targets for intervention. OBJECTIVES To describe self-reported fatigue in caregivers of ICU survivors from patients' ICU admission to ≤ 2 weeks, two- and four-months post-ICU discharge. METHODS Patient-caregiver pairs were enrolled from a medical ICU. Caregiver fatigue was measured using the Short-Form 36 Health Survey Vitality subscale (SF-36 Vitality). Caregiver psychobehavioral stress responses included depressive symptoms, burden, health risk behaviors, and sleep quality. Patient data included self-reported physical symptoms and disposition (home vs. institution). RESULTS Forty-seven patient-caregiver pairs were initially enrolled. Clinically significant fatigue (SF-36 Vitality ≤ 45) was reported by 43%-53% of caregivers across the time points, and these caregivers reported worse scores in measures of depressive symptoms, burden, health risk behaviors and sleep quality, and patients' symptom burden. In 26 caregivers with data for all time points (55% of the total sample), SF-36 Vitality scores showed trends of improvement when the patient returned home and greater impairment when institutionalization continued. CONCLUSION In caregivers of ICU survivors, fatigue is common and potentially linked with poor psychobehavioral responses. Worsening fatigue was associated with greater symptom distress and long-term patient institutionalization.
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Affiliation(s)
- JiYeon Choi
- Department of Acute & Tertiary Care, University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.
| | - Judith A Tate
- Department of Acute & Tertiary Care, University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Leslie A Hoffman
- Department of Acute & Tertiary Care, University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Clinical and Translational Science Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Richard Schulz
- University Center for Social and Urban Research, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Dianxu Ren
- Department of Health & Community Systems, University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Department of Biostatistics, University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Michael P Donahoe
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy & Critical Care Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Barbara A Given
- College of Nursing, The Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Paula R Sherwood
- Department of Acute & Tertiary Care, University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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Seyedrasooli A, Rahmani A, Howard F, Zamanzadeh V, Mohammadpoorasl A, Aliashrafi R, Pakpour V. Iranian Cancer Patient Perceptions of Prognosis and the Relationship to Hope. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 2014; 15:6205-10. [DOI: 10.7314/apjcp.2014.15.15.6205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
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19
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Seven M, Yılmaz S, Şahin E, Akyüz A. Evaluation of the quality of life of caregivers in gynecological cancer patients. JOURNAL OF CANCER EDUCATION : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR CANCER EDUCATION 2014; 29:325-332. [PMID: 24425013 DOI: 10.1007/s13187-013-0606-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine the factors influencing the general quality of life and the quality-of-life subdimensions of family members caring for gynecological cancer patients. This descriptive study was conducted at a training and research hospital in Turkey. A total of 168 caregivers who were family members were included in the study sample. The data collection form and the Caregiver Quality-of-Life Index Cancer Scale were used to collect data. The mean age of family caregivers was 42.6 ± 12.30 and 81% were female. The caregivers had the most problem with coping with the depressive symptoms and the nausea of the patient and with medication use for the patient. Information on care was requested by 35.7%, whereas 70% of this group felt they needed information on every subject regarding disease and its treatment. It is also found that although some factors did not influence the general quality of life of caregivers, they did have a negative effect on various areas such as burden, disruptiveness, positive adaptation, and financial concerns. Health care professions should educate patients and their caregivers who are distant relatives of patient or providing care for older patients especially on medical drug usage after discharge and management of symptoms such as nausea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Memnun Seven
- School of Nursing, Koç University, Istanbul, Turkey,
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20
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Seyedrasooly A, Rahmani A, Zamanzadeh V, Aliashrafi Z, Nikanfar AR, Jasemi M. Association between Perception of Prognosis and Spiritual Well-being among Cancer Patients. J Caring Sci 2014; 3:47-55. [PMID: 25276748 DOI: 10.5681/jcs.2014.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2013] [Accepted: 12/11/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Disclosure of cancer prognosis is one of the most difficult challenges in caring of cancer patients. An exact effect of prognosis disclosure on spiritual well-being of cancer patient was not completely investigated. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the relationship between perception of prognosis and spiritual well-being among cancer patients. METHODS In this descriptive-correlational study, which conducted in 2013, two hundred cancer patients referred to Shahid Ghazi Hospital and private offices of two oncologists in Tabriz participated with convenience sampling method. Perception of prognosis was investigated by Perception of Prognosis Inventory and spiritual well-being of cancer patients was investigated by Paloutzian and Ellison Inventory. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation test. RESULTS Participants reported positive perception about the prognosis of their disease (score 11 from 15) and rated their spiritual well-being as high (score 99 from 120). There was a positive correlation between the perception of prognosis and spiritual health among cancer patients. CONCLUSION Disclosure of cancer prognosis has negative effects on cancer patients. This result highlights the importance of considering cultural factors in disclosure of cancer prognosis. According to limitations of the present study approving these results need more studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alehe Seyedrasooly
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Azad Rahmani
- Department of Nursing, Hematology and Oncology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Vahid Zamanzadeh
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Zoliekha Aliashrafi
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Ali-Reza Nikanfar
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Hematology and Oncology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Madine Jasemi
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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21
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Tang ST, Liu TW, Chow JM, Chiu CF, Hsieh RK, Chen CH, Liu LN, Feng WL. Associations between accurate prognostic understanding and end-of-life care preferences and its correlates among Taiwanese terminally ill cancer patients surveyed in 2011-2012. Psychooncology 2014; 23:780-7. [DOI: 10.1002/pon.3482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2013] [Revised: 12/15/2013] [Accepted: 12/17/2013] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Siew Tzuh Tang
- School of Nursing; Chang Gung University; Tao-Yuan Taiwan
| | - Tsang-Wu Liu
- National Health Research Institutes; National Institute of Cancer Research; Taipei Taiwan
| | - Jyh-Ming Chow
- Section of Hematology and Medical Oncology; Wan-Fang Hospital; Taipei Taiwan
| | - Chang-Fang Chiu
- Division of Hematology-Oncology and Comprehensive Cancer Center; China Medical University Hospital; Taichung Taiwan
| | - Ruey-Kuen Hsieh
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine; Mackay Memorial Hospital; Taipei Taiwan
| | - Chen H. Chen
- School of Nursing; Kang-Ning Junior College of Medical Care and Management; Taipei Taiwan
| | - Li Ni Liu
- Department of Nursing; Fu Jen Catholic University; Taipei Taiwan
| | - Wei-Lien Feng
- National Health Research Institutes; National Institute of Cancer Research; Taipei Taiwan
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22
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Applebaum AJ, Kolva EA, Kulikowski JR, Jacobs JD, DeRosa A, Lichtenthal WG, Olden ME, Rosenfeld B, Breitbart W. Conceptualizing prognostic awareness in advanced cancer: a systematic review. J Health Psychol 2013; 19:1103-19. [PMID: 24157936 DOI: 10.1177/1359105313484782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
This systematic review synthesizes the complex literature on prognostic awareness in cancer. A total of 37 studies examining cancer patients' understanding of their prognosis were included. Prognostic awareness definitions and assessment methods were inconsistent across studies. A surprisingly high percentage of patients (up to 75%) were unaware of their poor prognosis, and in several studies, even their cancer diagnosis (up to 96%), particularly in studies conducted outside of North America. This review highlights surprisingly low rates of prognostic awareness in patients with advanced cancer as well as discrepancies in prognostic awareness assessment, suggesting the need for empirically validated measures of prognostic awareness.
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23
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Kent EE, Smith AW, Keegan THM, Lynch CF, Wu XC, Hamilton AS, Kato I, Schwartz SM, Harlan LC. Talking About Cancer and Meeting Peer Survivors: Social Information Needs of Adolescents and Young Adults Diagnosed with Cancer. J Adolesc Young Adult Oncol 2013; 2:44-52. [PMID: 23781400 DOI: 10.1089/jayao.2012.0029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Limited research exists on the social information needs of adolescents and young adults (AYAs, aged 15-39 at diagnosis) with cancer. METHODS The Adolescent and Young Adult Health Outcomes and Patient Experiences (AYA HOPE) Study recruited 523 patients to complete surveys 6-14 months after cancer diagnosis. Participants reported information needs for talking about their cancer experience with family and friends (TAC) and meeting peer survivors (MPS). Multiple logistic regression was used to examine factors associated with each need. RESULTS Approximately 25% (118/477) and 43% (199/462) of participants reported a TAC or MPS need respectively. Participants in their 20s (vs. teenagers) were more likely to report a MPS need (p=0.03). Hispanics (vs. non-Hispanic whites) were more likely to report a TAC need (p=0.01). Individuals who did not receive but reported needing support groups were about 4 and 13 times as likely to report TAC and MPS needs respectively (p<0.05). Participants reporting high symptom burden were more likely to report TAC and MPS needs (p<0.01), and those reporting fair/poor quality of care were more likely to report a TAC need (p<0.01). Those reporting that cancer had an impact on several key relationships with family and friends were more likely to report social information needs. CONCLUSION Social information needs are higher in AYAs diagnosed in their 20s, in Hispanics, among those reporting high symptom burden and/or lower quality of care, and in individuals not in support groups. Efforts should be made to develop interventions for AYAs in most need of social information and support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin E Kent
- Cancer Prevention Fellowship, National Cancer Institute , National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland. ; Office of Cancer Survivorship, National Cancer Institute , National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland. ; Outcomes Research Branch, Applied Research Program, Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute , National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
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Golics CJ, Basra MKA, Finlay AY, Salek S. The impact of disease on family members: a critical aspect of medical care. J R Soc Med 2013; 106:399-407. [PMID: 23759884 DOI: 10.1177/0141076812472616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Most existing health-related quality of life research concerns the impact of disease on patients. However, in several medical specialties including dermatology, oncology, and physical and mental disability, studies have been carried out investigating the impact of disease on the lives of families of patients. The aim of this paper is to review the literature which relates to the impact of disease on family members of patients. The OVIDSP Medline was selected as the primary database, Searches were limited to sources published in English. 158 papers were identified for review. The definition of "family" varied across the literature, and a broad definition was accepted in this review. This review shows that a wide variety of aspects of family members' lives can be affected, including emotional, financial, family relationships, education and work, leisure time, and social activities. Many of these themes are linked to one another, with themes including financial impact and social impact being linked to emotional impact. Some positive aspects were also identified from the literature, including family relationships growing stronger. Several instruments exist to measure the impact of illness on the family, and most are disease or specialty- specific. The impact of disease on families of patients is often unrecognised and underestimated. Taking into account the quality of life of families as well as patients can offer the clinician a unique insight into issues such as family relationships and the effect of treatment decisions on the patient's close social group of partner and family.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Jane Golics
- Centre for Socioeconomic Research, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cardiff University, King Edward VII Avenue, Cardiff, CF10 3NB, UK
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Pang A, Ho S, Lee SC. Cancer physicians' attitude towards treatment of the elderly cancer patient in a developed Asian country. BMC Geriatr 2013; 13:35. [PMID: 23590357 PMCID: PMC3654995 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2318-13-35] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2012] [Accepted: 04/08/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background With an aging population and an increasing number of elderly patients with cancer, it is essential for us to understand how cancer physicians approach the management and treatment of elderly cancer patients as well as their methods of cancer diagnosis disclosure to older versus younger patients in Singapore, where routine geriatric oncology service is not available. Methods 57 cancer physicians who are currently practicing in Singapore participated in a written questionnaire survey on attitudes towards management of the elderly cancer patient, which included 2 hypothetical clinical scenarios on treatment choices for a fit elderly patient versus that for a younger patient. Results The participants comprised of 68% medical oncologists, 18% radiation oncologists, and 14% haematologists. Most physicians (53%) listed performance status (PS) as the top single factor affecting their treatment decision, followed by cancer type (23%) and patient’s decision (11%). The top 5 factors were PS (95%), co-morbidities (75%), cancer stage (75%), cancer type (75%), patient’s decision (53%), and age (51%). 72% of physicians were less likely to treat a fit but older patient aggressively; 53% and 79% opted for less intensive treatments for older patients in two clinical scenarios of lymphoma and early breast cancer, respectively. 37% of physicians acknowledged that elderly cancer patients were generally under-treated. Only 9% of physicians chose to disclose cancer diagnosis directly to the older patient compared to 61% of physicians to a younger patient, citing family preference as the main reason. Most participants (61%) have never engaged a geriatrician’s help in treatment decisions, although the majority (90%) would welcome the introduction of a geriatric oncology programme. Conclusions Advanced patient age has a significant impact on the cancer physician’s treatment decision-making process in Singapore. Many physicians still accede to family members’ request and practice non-disclosure of cancer diagnosis to geriatric patients, which may pose as a hurdle to making an informed decision regarding management for the geriatric cancer patients. Having a formal geriatric oncology programme in Singapore could potentially help to optimize the management of geriatric oncology patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Pang
- Department of Haematology-Oncology, National University Cancer Institute, National University Health System, Level 7, Tower Block, 1E, Kent Ridge Road, Singapore, 119228, Singapore
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Chou WC, Hung YS, Kao CY, Su PJ, Hsieh CH, Chen JS, Liau CT, Lin YC, Liaw CC, Wang HM. Impact of palliative care consultative service on disease awareness for patients with terminal cancer. Support Care Cancer 2013; 21:1973-81. [DOI: 10.1007/s00520-013-1733-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2012] [Accepted: 01/28/2013] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Hershey DS, Given B, Given C, Von Eye A, You M. Diabetes and cancer: impact on health-related quality of life. Oncol Nurs Forum 2013; 39:449-57. [PMID: 22940509 DOI: 10.1188/12.onf.449-457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES To explore whether three factors (physical function, mental health, and social function) of health-related quality of life (HRQOL) are impacted differently in patients with cancer and diabetes when compared to those with cancer who do not have diabetes at the beginning of chemotherapy. DESIGN Secondary analysis using baseline data from two randomized, controlled trials. SETTING Two comprehensive cancer centers, one community cancer oncology program, and six hospital-affiliated community oncology centers. SAMPLE 661 patients aged 21 years or older with a solid tumor cancer or lymphoma undergoing cancer treatment. METHODS Baseline data from both randomized, controlled trials were used. The SF-36® was used to measure physical function, mental health, and social function. Analysis included descriptive statistics and a general linear model. MAIN RESEARCH VARIABLES Presence or absence of diabetes and physical function, social function, and mental health. FINDINGS Patients with cancer and diabetes had significantly lower levels of physical function (p < 0.001) when compared to those who had cancer without diabetes. The interaction of diabetes and age was found to be significantly predictive of mental health (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS The presence of diabetes negatively impacts physical function and mental health in patients undergoing chemotherapy. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING Nurses should be aware of diabetes' effect on HRQOL in patients with cancer. In addition, nurses may need to intervene earlier for patients with diabetes and cancer to maintain or improve their quality of life.
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Hung YS, Chang H, Wu WS, Chen JS, Chou WC. A Comparison of Cancer and Noncancer Patients Who Receive Palliative Care Consultation Services. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2012; 30:558-65. [PMID: 23034189 DOI: 10.1177/1049909112461842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to compare multiaspect characteristics in cancer and noncancer patients who received palliative care. Totally, 226 patients with cancer and 115 noncancer patients received palliative care consultation service in Taiwan from September 2007 through December 2009 were retrospectively analyzed. Noncancer patients were older (81 vs 67 years, P < .001), more likely to be enrolled from an intensive care unit (51% vs 5%, P < .001), and waited longer to be referred for admission to a palliative care (8 vs 3 days, P < .001) than patients with cancer. Cancer and noncancer patients presented as polysymptomatics in both physical and psychosocial symptoms at the end of life. Such physical and psychosocial characteristics should be taken into account in providing appropriate end-of-life care in the same way as it is for the patients with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Shin Hung
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, and School of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Hung Chang
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, and School of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Shan Wu
- Department of Nursing, Saint Paul’s Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Jen-Shi Chen
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, and School of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Chi Chou
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, and School of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Saint Paul’s Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
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Waldron EA, Janke EA, Bechtel CF, Ramirez M, Cohen A. A systematic review of psychosocial interventions to improve cancer caregiver quality of life. Psychooncology 2012; 22:1200-7. [PMID: 22729992 DOI: 10.1002/pon.3118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2011] [Revised: 05/06/2012] [Accepted: 05/11/2012] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate and estimate the effect of psychosocial interventions on improving the quality of life (QoL) of adult cancer caregivers. METHODS We conducted a systematic review of randomized controlled trials among adult cancer caregivers published from 1947 to 2011. Rigorous inclusion criteria included randomization of caregivers, use of control groups, and at least one active psychosocial intervention where caregiver QoL was measured. A pair of raters independently reviewed all abstracts, and studies were assessed for quality using an 11-item PEDro coding scale. Data were extracted, examined, and synthesized using a narrative approach. RESULTS Six randomized controlled trials met inclusion criteria out of 1066 identified abstracts. Studies were rejected because of methodological flaws and failure to report a measure of caregiver QoL. A total of 1115 caregivers were included at baseline measurements. Estimated effect sizes for included studies were nil to small ranging from 0.048 to 0.271. Studies with larger effect sizes targeted caregivers' problem-solving and communication skills. CONCLUSIONS Interventions targeting problem-solving and communication skills may ease the burdens related to patient care and role changes associated with care while improving caregiver's overall QoL. Further research is needed to establish efficacy of interventions across all stages of the 2cancer caregiving experience, especially focusing on issues of caregiver retention, caregiver relationships to the cancer patient, and individual differences in caregiver experiences with different types of cancer.
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Kinder krebskranker Eltern – elterliches Coping, familiäres Funktionsniveau und psychosoziale Anpassung der Kinder. Prax Kinderpsychol Kinderpsychiatr 2012; 61:447-62. [DOI: 10.13109/prkk.2012.61.6.447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Fan X, Huang H, Luo Q, Zhou J, Tan G, Yong N. Quality of life in Chinese home-based advanced cancer patients: does awareness of cancer diagnosis matter? J Palliat Med 2011; 14:1104-8. [PMID: 21966988 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2011.0111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to assess the quality of life (QOL) of Chinese home-based advanced-stage cancer patients and to evaluate the association between the disclosure of cancer diagnosis and QOL. An interview-based survey was conducted from December 2009 to June 2010 in the home-based hospice of the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, China. The principal finding of this study demonstrated that patients who did not have knowledge of their diagnosis exhibited better physical and emotional QOL compared with those who had knowledge of their diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoping Fan
- Neurology Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing City, China
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