Risk factors associated with the comprehensive needs of cancer caregivers in China

Assessing the Prevalent Myths and Misconceptions Among Caregivers of Patients With Cancer: A Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction Certain popular ideas about how cancer starts and spreads, though scientifically wrong, can seem to make sense, especially when those ideas are rooted in old theories. The present study was conducted to assess the prevalence of myths and misconceptions among caregivers of patients with cancer. Materials and methods A hospital-based survey in a tertiary teaching hospital in a sub-Himalayan region of North India was conducted where caregivers (aged 18-70 years) were administered questionaries containing 10 close-ended questions. The study was conducted in small batches of 20-25 participants. The questionnaire was analyzed, and a healthcare worker discussed it with the participants and clarified their myths. Results A total of 400 participants were included in the study. The median age of the participants was 45 years (IQR 35-59). The majority of the participants were males (85%, n=340). The prevalent myths among the caregivers were the following: (a) cancer is always very painful (45.5%), (b) the cause of cancers is some sin/harm done to others (26%), (c) cancer results from some form of injuries (22.8%), and (d) cancer spreads from one person to another (20.8%). Over 90% of the participants (347/378) informed that post-survey counselling was effective in ameliorating their myths. Conclusion The present study highlights the widespread cancer myths and misconceptions among the caregivers of patients with cancer. Therefore, the need of the hour is to eliminate them to avoid any unnecessary treatment delays and strengthen the emotional and social support system for patients with cancer.

Comprehensive Need as a Mediator Between Psychological Stress and Quality of Life Among Caregivers of Patients With Cancer

BACKGROUND

Caregivers of patients with cancer are susceptible to profound psychological distress and low quality of life owing to the substantial demands of caregiving. The comprehensive needs of caregivers are closely linked to their quality of life. However, little is known about the relationship between these factors.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to determine whether comprehensive needs mediate the relationships between psychological stress and quality of life in caregivers of patients with cancer.

METHODS

A cross-sectional design was used to recruit 382 participants through convenience sampling. Psychological stress, comprehensive needs, and quality of life were measured using a questionnaire.

RESULTS

Psychological stress was associated with higher comprehensive needs (r = 0.30, P < .01) and lower quality of life (r = -0.20, P < .01). Comprehensive needs were negatively associated with quality of life (r = -0.28, P < .01). Mediation analysis findings revealed that both the indirect effect of psychological stress on quality of life via comprehensive needs (β = -0.10; P < .001) and its direct effect on quality of life (β = -0.16; P < .01) were statistically significant, suggesting a partial mediatory effect of comprehensive needs between psychological stress and quality of life.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that reducing psychological stress can improve quality of life by promoting satisfaction with comprehensive needs.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Interventions that help reduce psychological stress and meet the comprehensive needs of caregivers of patients with cancer can improve their quality of life.

Perceived burden and need for support among caregivers of cancer patients

BACKGROUND

The aims of this study were to examine (1) the perceived burden among caregivers and identify those in risk of high burden and (2) the need for support among caregivers and identify associated factors.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Cancer patients who participated in an educational program at the Montebello Center (MBC) in Norway between May 2021 and February 2022 were asked to invite a caregiver to answer a questionnaire. The caregiving burden was assessed with the Caregivers Reaction Assessment (CRA) that consists of 24 questions scored from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree), covering five domains. A mean sum score was calculated for each domain. Higher subscale scores indicate higher levels of burden, except for caregiver esteem where a high score indicates a low burden. Need for support was assessed with 13 questions.

RESULTS

Of 464 invitations, 185 caregivers responded (response 40%), median age was 58.0 years and 58% were male. Caregiver burden mean scores were: 2.6 (SD 1.03) for Impact on schedule, 2.1 (SD 0.79) for Lack of family support, 2.1 (SD 0.76) for Impact on health, 2.0 (SD 0.86) for Impact on finances, and 4.2 (SD 0.47) for Caregiver esteem. Female caregivers, younger, higher education, having comorbidities, caring for patients having recurrence of cancer, and shorter time since diagnosis were associated with higher burden measured on individual subscales of the CRA. Most reported needs were information about: cancer, late effects and rehabilitation services and support from peers and professionals to cope with the new situation. Younger, caregiver comorbidity and recurrence of cancer of the patient were associated with more needs.

CONCLUSIONS

The results indicate that caregivers of cancer patients participating at the MBC report moderate caregiver burden, however, numerous caregivers reported need for support within several areas. Our findings need to be confirmed in a larger unselected group.