1
|
Sannes TS, Parmet T, Yusufov M, Sutherland J, Stefanik J, Andrade N, Gray TF, Braun IM, Pirl WF. So what I'm stressed? A qualitative study examininga caregivers' reactions to emerging biomarkers of stress. Brain Behav Immun Health 2024; 38:100783. [PMID: 38818371 PMCID: PMC11137355 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2024.100783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Caregivers of adults with cancer often report significant distress yet remain difficult to engage in supportive services. While the field of Psychosomatic Medicine has continued to identify important markers of physiologic stress, and demonstrated disruption in these markers in caregiver populations, no research has investigated whether biomarker information on caregivers' reaction to stress could impact their willingness to address their ongoing distress. Methods Here, we report on a qualitative study (N = 17) in which we conducted individual interviews with cancer caregivers to explore their key attitudes towards, and subjective experience of, mock stress biomarker data. A total of 17 caregivers of patients (M age = 56.1 years; SD = 12.3) with primarily metastatic brain tumors (glioblastoma) were interviewed regarding four commercially available biomarkers (telomere length; hair cortisol, activity levels and heart rate variability). Once presented with information about stress biomarkers, caregivers were asked to discuss their subjective reaction as if it was their own data as well as their motivation and willingness to seek support after receiving such information. We identified and extracted relevant themes. Results Analysis utilizing the framework method revealed four emerging themes. The first theme described caregivers' ability to manage stress and willingness to engage with supportive services. Second, caregivers generally accepted the biomarker data but preferred it to be presented in a specific way. The third theme demonstrated that for some, biomarker data may actually increase their subjective distress (e.g., whether or not something could be done to improve their mental state). The last theme described how biomarkers were generally received as meaningful motivators that could increase caregivers' willingness to engage with supportive services. Conclusions In addition to the more general identified theme of CG's willingness to engage with additional support, we gained insights into caregivers' reaction to the stress biomarkers presented. Findings will set the stage for the utility of stress biomarker information and whether it influences cancer caregivers' willingness to address their distress and motivation to engage in supportive services.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Timothy S. Sannes
- UMass Memorial Cancer Center, Department of Psychiatry, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
- Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Tamar Parmet
- University of Colorado-Denver, Department of Psychology, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Miryam Yusufov
- Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jodi Sutherland
- Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jennifer Stefanik
- Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nicole Andrade
- Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Tamryn F. Gray
- Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ilana M. Braun
- Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - William F. Pirl
- Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Opsomer S, De Clercq L, De Lepeleire J, Joossens S, Luyten P, Pype P, Lauwerier E. Do all roads lead to Rome? An ideal-type study on trajectories of resilience in advanced cancer caregiving. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0303966. [PMID: 38820251 PMCID: PMC11142429 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0303966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Studies on resilience in advanced cancer caregiving typically focus on the interplay between resilience-promoting resources and coping strategies that may be associated with resilience. However, no studies have investigated the emergence of trajectories of resilience and distress in individuals confronted with a cancer diagnosis of a loved one. METHODS Ideal-type analysis, a method for constructing typologies from qualitative data, was used to identify trajectories involving resilience or the lack thereof based on fifty-four interviews conducted with seventeen partners of patients recently diagnosed with advanced cancer over a period of three years. FINDINGS Six trajectories could be distinguished, three of which involved resilience (rapidly adapting resilience, gradually adapting resilience, and slowly adapting resilience), while the other three trajectories (continuing distress, delayed distress, and frozen disconnection) reflected a less optimal adjustment. These different trajectories seemed to be rooted in the individual characteristics of partners, the behavior of a support network, and interactions between the two. CONCLUSION The differentiation between these trajectories in partners of patients diagnosed with cancer not only furthers research on resilience in the face of adversity, but also promises to assist healthcare professionals in optimizing support for this often-neglected group of partners of patients diagnosed with cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Opsomer
- Academic Centre for General Practice, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Luca De Clercq
- Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jan De Lepeleire
- Academic Centre for General Practice, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sofie Joossens
- Program of Health, University Colleges Leuven ‐ Limburg, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Patrick Luyten
- Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Peter Pype
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- End-of-Life Care Research Group, Ghent University campus, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Emelien Lauwerier
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Experimental Clinical and Health Psychology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Health Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Open University, Heerlen, Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Kim H, Mahmood A, Kedia S, Ogunsanmi DO, Sharma S, Wyant DK. Impact of Residential Segregation on Healthcare Utilization and Perceived Quality of Care Among Informal Caregivers in the United States. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities 2024:10.1007/s40615-024-02018-9. [PMID: 38758399 DOI: 10.1007/s40615-024-02018-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the impact of racial residential segregation on healthcare utilization and perceived quality of care among informal caregivers in the US. It further assessed potential variations in the estimated impact across caregivers' race and socioeconomic status. We used data from the Health Information National Trends Survey Data Linkage Project (fielded in 2020) for a sample of 583 self-identified informal caregivers in the US. Fitting a series of regression models with the maximum likelihood estimation, we computed the beta coefficients (β) of interest and their associated Wald 95% confidence limits (CI). Caregivers who resided in areas with higher segregation, compared to those living in lower segregated areas, were less likely to visit a healthcare professional [β = - 2.08; Wald 95%CI - 2.093, - 2.067] (moderate); [β = - 2.53; Wald 95%CI - 2.549, - 2.523] (high)]. Further, caregivers residing in moderate [β = - 0.766; Wald 95%CI - 0.770, - 0.761] and high [β = - 0.936; Wald 95%CI - 0.941, - 0.932] segregation regions were less likely to perceive a better quality of care compared to those located in low segregation areas. Moreover, as segregation level increased, Black caregivers were less likely to see a health professional, less frequently used healthcare services, and had poorer perceived healthcare quality when compared to Whites. Our findings indicate that higher residential segregation is associated with lower healthcare utilization, such as visiting a healthcare professional, and poorer perceived healthcare quality among informal caregivers. Given the essential role of informal caregivers in the current healthcare system, it is vital to investigate and address challenges associated with access to and quality of essential healthcare services to improve caregivers' health and well-being, specifically for caregivers of minority backgrounds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hyunmin Kim
- College of Nursing and Health Professions, School of Health Professions, The University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS, USA
| | - Asos Mahmood
- Center for Health System Improvement, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, 956 Court Ave Avenue, Ste D222A, Memphis, TN, 38103, USA.
- Department of Medicine-General Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA.
| | - Satish Kedia
- Division of Social and Behavioral Sciences, School of Public Health, The University of Memphis, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Deborah O Ogunsanmi
- Tennessee Population Health Consortium and Institute for Health Outcomes and Policy Research, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Sadikshya Sharma
- College of Nursing and Health Professions, School of Health Professions, The University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS, USA
| | - David K Wyant
- Jack C. Massey College of Business, Frist College of Medicine, Belmont University, Nashville, TN, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Xu W, Zhu Z, Yu J, Li J, Lu H. Symptoms experienced after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization in patients with primary liver cancer: A network analysis. Asia Pac J Oncol Nurs 2024; 11:100361. [PMID: 38433772 PMCID: PMC10904917 DOI: 10.1016/j.apjon.2023.100361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective This study aimed to establish a symptom network for patients with primary liver cancer posttranscatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE), identifying core and bridge symptoms. The goal is to provide a foundation for precise and comprehensive nursing interventions. Methods A total of 1207 post-TACE patients were included using a consecutive sampling method. Data collection involved a general information questionnaire, the Anderson Symptom Assessment Scale, and a primary liver cancer-specific symptom module. The symptom network was constructed using the R language. Results In the overall network, distress exhibited the highest strength (rs = 1.31) and betweenness (rb = 62). Fatigue had the greatest closeness (rc = 0.0043), while nausea and vomiting (r = 0.76 ± 0.02) had the highest marginal weights. Nausea had the highest bridge strength (rbs = 5.263). In the first-time TACE-treated symptom network, sadness (rbs = 5.673) showed the highest bridge strength, whereas in the non-first-time symptom network, fever (rbs = 3.061) had the highest bridge strength. Conclusions Distress serves as a core symptom, and nausea acts as a bridge symptom after TACE treatment in liver cancer patients. Interventions targeting bridge symptoms should be tailored based on the number of treatments, enhancing the quality of symptom management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Xu
- School of Nursing, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zheng Zhu
- School of Nursing, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing, New York University, New York, NY, USA
- Fudan University Centre for Evidence-Based Nursing: A Joanna Briggs Institute Centre of Excellence, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingxian Yu
- Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Juan Li
- Huashan Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Huijuan Lu
- School of Nursing, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Applebaum AJ, Schofield E, Kastrinos A, Gebert R, Behrens M, Loschiavo M, Shaffer KM, Levine M, Dannaoui A, Bellantoni C, Miller MF, Zaleta AK. A randomized controlled trial of a distress screening, consultation, and targeted referral system for family caregivers in oncologic care. Psychooncology 2024; 33:e6301. [PMID: 38363002 DOI: 10.1002/pon.6301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Distress screening is standard practice among oncology patients, yet few routine distress screening programs exist for cancer caregivers. The objective of this study was to demonstrate the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of Cancer Support Source-CaregiverTM (CSS-CG, 33-item), an electronic distress screening and automated referral program with a consultation (S + C) to improve caregiver unmet needs, quality of life, anxiety, depression, and distress relative to Enhanced Usual Care (EUC; access to educational materials). METHOD 150 caregivers of patients with varying sites/stages of cancer were randomized to S + C or EUC and completed assessments at baseline, 3-months post-baseline, and 6-months post-baseline. A subset of participants (n = 10) completed in-depth qualitative interviews. RESULTS S + C was feasible: among 75 caregivers randomized to S + C, 66 (88%) completed CSS-CG and consultation. Top concerns reported were: (1) patient's pain and/or physical discomfort; (2) patient's cancer progressing/recurring; and (3) feeling nervous or afraid. Differences between groups in improvements on outcomes by T2 and T3 were modest (ds < 0.53) in favor of S + C. Qualitative data underscored the helpfulness of S + C in connecting caregivers to support and helping them feel cared for and integrated into cancer care. CONCLUSIONS S + C is feasible, acceptable, and yields more positive impact on emotional well-being than usual care. Future studies will examine programmatic impact among caregivers experiencing higher acuity of needs, and benefits of earlier integration of S + C on caregiver, patient, and healthcare system outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Allison J Applebaum
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Elizabeth Schofield
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Amanda Kastrinos
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Rebecca Gebert
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Mia Behrens
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Morgan Loschiavo
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Kelly M Shaffer
- Center for Behavioral Health and Technology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Marcia Levine
- Department of Nursing, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Aimee Dannaoui
- Department of Nursing, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Courtney Bellantoni
- Department of Nursing, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Melissa F Miller
- Research and Training Institute, Cancer Support Community, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Alexandra K Zaleta
- Research and Training Institute, Cancer Support Community, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Ploukou S, Papageorgiou DI, Panagopoulou E, Benos A, Smyrnakis E. Informal caregivers' experiences of supporting patients with pancreatic cancer: A qualitative study in Greece. Eur J Oncol Nurs 2023; 67:102419. [PMID: 37804752 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejon.2023.102419] [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: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/09/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of the present study was to explore informal caregivers' experiences of supporting family members with pancreatic cancer. METHODS A qualitative descriptive study was conducted with individual semi-structured telephone interviews and inductive thematic analysis. Data were collected from 10 informal caregivers in the only cancer hospital in Northern Greece. RESULTS The findings of the thematic analysis highlighted three themes, "supportive needs of patients with pancreatic cancer", "supportive needs of informal caregivers" and "evaluation of provided care". In the first theme, four individual subcategories of themes emerged: "psychological support", "managing symptoms and side effects", "daily activities" and "participation in decision-making". The theme "supportive needs of informal caregivers" consists of five sub-themes, "psychological support", "support in care activities", "financial support", "communication with the patient" and "information". Finally, the theme "evaluation of provided care" three sub-categories of topics were reported, "staff evaluation", "process evaluation" and "palliative care". CONCLUSION Pancreatic cancer patients and their informal caregivers experience multiple unmet needs. The health system, lacking an efficient treatment for this type of cancer, should provide a basis for improving the quality of life of these families with targeted support interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stella Ploukou
- Laboratory of Primary Health Care, General Practice and Health Services Research - Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124, Greece.
| | - Dimitra Iosifina Papageorgiou
- Laboratory of Primary Health Care, General Practice and Health Services Research - Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124, Greece
| | - Efharis Panagopoulou
- Laboratory of Primary Health Care, General Practice and Health Services Research - Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124, Greece.
| | - Alexios Benos
- Laboratory of Primary Health Care, General Practice and Health Services Research - Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124, Greece.
| | - Emmanouil Smyrnakis
- Laboratory of Primary Health Care, General Practice and Health Services Research - Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124, Greece.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Agyemang-Duah W, Rosenberg MW. Healthcare utilization among informal caregivers of older adults in the Ashanti region of Ghana: a study based on the health belief model. Arch Public Health 2023; 81:187. [PMID: 37872631 PMCID: PMC10591341 DOI: 10.1186/s13690-023-01200-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Existing global evidence suggests that informal caregivers prioritize the health (care) of their care recipients (older adults) over their own health (care) resulting in sub-optimal health outcomes among this population group. However, data on what factors are associated with healthcare utilization among informal caregivers of older adults are not known in a sub-Saharan African context. Guided by the Health Belief Model (HBM), the principal objective of this study was to examine the association between the dimensions of the HBM and healthcare utilization among informal caregivers of older adults in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. METHODS Data were extracted from a large cross-sectional study of informal caregiving, health, and healthcare survey among caregivers of older adults aged 50 years or above (N = 1,853; mean age of caregivers = 39.15 years; and mean age of care recipients = 75.08 years) in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. Poisson regression models were used to estimate the association between the dimensions of the HBM and healthcare utilization among informal caregivers of older adults. Statistical significance of the test was set at a probability level of 0.05 or less. RESULTS The results showed that 72.9% (n = 1351) of the participants were females, 56.7% (n = 1051) were urban informal caregivers and 28.6% (n = 530) had no formal education. The results further showed that 49.4% (n = 916) of the participants utilized healthcare for their health problems at least once in the past year before the survey. The final analysis showed a positive and statistically significant association between perceived susceptibility to a health problem (β = 0.054, IRR = 1.056, 95% CI = [1.041-1.071]), cues to action (β = 0.076, IRR = 1.079, 95% CI = [1.044-1.114]), self-efficacy (β = 0.042, IRR = 1.043, 95% CI = [1.013-1.074]) and healthcare utilization among informal caregivers of older adults. The study further revealed a negative and statistically significant association between perceived severity of a health problem and healthcare utilization (β= - 0.040, IRR = 0.961, 95% CI= [0.947-0.975]) among informal caregivers of older adults. The results again showed that non-enrollment in a health insurance scheme (β= - 0.174, IRR = 0.841, 95% CI= [0.774-0.913]) and being unemployed (β= - 0.088, IRR = 0.916, 95% CI= [0.850-0.986]) were statistically significantly associated with a lower log count of healthcare utilization among informal caregivers of older adults. CONCLUSION The findings of this study to a large extent support the dimensions of the HBM in explaining healthcare utilization among informal caregivers of older adults in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. Although all the dimensions of the HBM were significantly associated with healthcare utilization in Model 1, perceived barriers to care-seeking and perceived benefits of care-seeking were no longer statistically significant after controlling for demographic, socio-economic and health-related variables in the final model. The findings further suggest that the dimensions of the HBM as well as demographic, socio-economic and health-related factors contribute to unequal healthcare utilization among informal caregivers of older adults in the Ashanti Region of Ghana.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Williams Agyemang-Duah
- Department of Geography and Planning, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, K7L 3N6, Canada.
| | - Mark W Rosenberg
- Department of Geography and Planning, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, K7L 3N6, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Suresh M, Risbud R, Patel MI, Lorenz KA, Schapira L, Gallagher-Thompson D, Trivedi R. Clinic-based Assessment and Support for Family Caregivers of Patients With Cancer: Results of a Feasibility Study. CANCER CARE RESEARCH ONLINE 2023; 3:e047. [PMID: 38328267 PMCID: PMC10846853 DOI: 10.1097/cr9.0000000000000047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Background Cancer caregiving is burdensome with unique needs, highlighting the importance of assessing caregivers' distress. Caregivers often accompany patients to healthcare visits, presenting an opportunity to complete distress screening at patients' point-of-care. Objective To evaluate the feasibility of caregiver distress screening at patients' point-of-care and implementing a caregiver psychoeducational session. Methods We approached caregivers in outpatient cancer clinic waiting rooms. Participants completed depression, burden, anxiety, quality of life, and stress measures. A psychoeducational session with a psychologist was offered to those meeting clinical cutoffs for depression and/or burden. Fifty caregivers completed 1+ measure; however, due to incomplete consent documentation, findings from 23 caregivers are reported. Results 22% of caregivers screened positive for depression, 30% burden, and 70% anxiety. More than half rated stress as moderate or higher. Mental wellbeing was slightly below that of the general population. More than 75% screened positive on 1+ distress measure. Of the 9 caregivers who met cutoffs for depression and/or burden, two (22%) accepted the psychoeducational session. Conclusion Caregivers were moderately receptive to distress screening during patients' visits, but were less receptive to engaging in the psychoeducational session due to time constraints and privacy concerns. Implications for Practice Assessing caregivers' distress can facilitate referrals for supportive services. Offering caregivers psychoeducational intervention outside of patient care may not be acceptable. Future research may evaluate the integration of routine caregiver screening within patient care to promote engagement with mental health services. Foundational This research offers a unique method of assessing cancer caregivers' distress.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Madhuvanthi Suresh
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, USA (Dr Suresh); Center for Innovation to Implementation, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, CA, USA (Drs Suresh, Lorenz and Trivedi, Ms Risbud); Division of Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA USA (Dr Patel); Medical Services, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA USA (Drs Patel and Lorenz); Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA (Dr Shapira); Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA (Dr Gallagher-Thompson); Division of Public Mental Health and Population Sciences, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA (Dr Trivedi)
| | - Rashmi Risbud
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, USA (Dr Suresh); Center for Innovation to Implementation, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, CA, USA (Drs Suresh, Lorenz and Trivedi, Ms Risbud); Division of Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA USA (Dr Patel); Medical Services, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA USA (Drs Patel and Lorenz); Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA (Dr Shapira); Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA (Dr Gallagher-Thompson); Division of Public Mental Health and Population Sciences, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA (Dr Trivedi)
| | - Manali I Patel
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, USA (Dr Suresh); Center for Innovation to Implementation, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, CA, USA (Drs Suresh, Lorenz and Trivedi, Ms Risbud); Division of Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA USA (Dr Patel); Medical Services, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA USA (Drs Patel and Lorenz); Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA (Dr Shapira); Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA (Dr Gallagher-Thompson); Division of Public Mental Health and Population Sciences, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA (Dr Trivedi)
| | - Karl A Lorenz
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, USA (Dr Suresh); Center for Innovation to Implementation, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, CA, USA (Drs Suresh, Lorenz and Trivedi, Ms Risbud); Division of Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA USA (Dr Patel); Medical Services, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA USA (Drs Patel and Lorenz); Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA (Dr Shapira); Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA (Dr Gallagher-Thompson); Division of Public Mental Health and Population Sciences, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA (Dr Trivedi)
| | - Lidia Schapira
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, USA (Dr Suresh); Center for Innovation to Implementation, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, CA, USA (Drs Suresh, Lorenz and Trivedi, Ms Risbud); Division of Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA USA (Dr Patel); Medical Services, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA USA (Drs Patel and Lorenz); Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA (Dr Shapira); Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA (Dr Gallagher-Thompson); Division of Public Mental Health and Population Sciences, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA (Dr Trivedi)
| | - Dolores Gallagher-Thompson
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, USA (Dr Suresh); Center for Innovation to Implementation, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, CA, USA (Drs Suresh, Lorenz and Trivedi, Ms Risbud); Division of Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA USA (Dr Patel); Medical Services, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA USA (Drs Patel and Lorenz); Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA (Dr Shapira); Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA (Dr Gallagher-Thompson); Division of Public Mental Health and Population Sciences, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA (Dr Trivedi)
| | - Ranak Trivedi
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, USA (Dr Suresh); Center for Innovation to Implementation, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, CA, USA (Drs Suresh, Lorenz and Trivedi, Ms Risbud); Division of Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA USA (Dr Patel); Medical Services, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA USA (Drs Patel and Lorenz); Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA (Dr Shapira); Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA (Dr Gallagher-Thompson); Division of Public Mental Health and Population Sciences, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA (Dr Trivedi)
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Willis KD, Jacobs JM. Closing the Caregiving Gap: Considerations for Pancreatic and Periampullary Cancer Caregivers. JCO Oncol Pract 2023; 19:523-525. [PMID: 37384851 PMCID: PMC10424911 DOI: 10.1200/op.23.00274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Family caregivers of patients with pancreatic cancer face immense practical challenges and high emotional burden; they lack tailored support. Investigators advocate for more research, supportive interventions, and policy changes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kelcie D. Willis
- Virginia Commonwealth University, Department of Psychology, Richmond, VA
- Yale School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, New Haven, CT
| | - Jamie M. Jacobs
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Center for Psychiatric Oncology & Behavioral Sciences, Boston, MA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Jang YS, Yoon NY, Hurh K, Park EC, Ha MJ. Association between changes in having of cancer patients in the family and depression: A longitudinal panel study. J Affect Disord 2023; 333:482-488. [PMID: 37119866 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.04.095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer diagnosis can cause considerable stress among patients and their families. Both may experience clinical depression and severe anxiety. Therefore, this study investigated the association between the occurrence of cancer patients in the family and the depression among family members. METHODS Data from the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging (2006-2020) were used. A total of 6251 participants who completed the short-form Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CESD-10-D) questionnaire were included. General estimating equations were used to assess the temporal effects of changes on depression in the presence of cancer patients in the family. RESULTS Having cancer patients in the family was associated with a high risk of depression among both men and women (men, Odd Ratios (OR):1.78, 95 % Confidence Intervals (CI) 1.13-2.79; women, OR:1.53, 95 % CI 1.06-2.22). Depressive symptoms were particularly high in women, especially when cancer symptoms were more severe than previous surveys (OR: 2.48, 95 % CI 1.18-5.20). LIMITATIONS First, non-responders were excluded but this could be affected by underestimation bias. Second, depression was defined as the CESD-10-D score, and the biological risk factors of depression could not be identified because of survey-based database. Third, due to the retrospective design study, confirming the causal relationship clearly is difficult. Finally, residual scheming effects of unmeasured variables could not be eliminated. CONCLUSION Our findings support efforts to diagnose and manage depression in the families of cancer patients. Accordingly, healthcare services and supportive interventions to reduce the psychological factors of cancer patients' families are needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yun Seo Jang
- Department of Public Health, Graduate School, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Institute of Health Services Research, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Na-Young Yoon
- Department of Public Health, Graduate School, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Institute of Health Services Research, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyungduk Hurh
- Institute of Health Services Research, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Department of Preventive Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Cheol Park
- Institute of Health Services Research, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Department of Preventive Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Min Jin Ha
- Department of Health Informatics and Biostatistics, Graduate School of Public Health, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Benyo S, Phan C, Goyal N. Health and Well-Being Needs Among Head and Neck Cancer Caregivers - A Systematic Review. Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol 2023; 132:449-459. [PMID: 35549916 PMCID: PMC9989224 DOI: 10.1177/00034894221088180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This review provides a summary of the current understanding of the health and well-being of the head and neck cancer (HNC) caregiver. Our goal is to understand the healthcare needs required by the caregivers of our oncologic patients, which may ultimately influence quality of care and support that cancer patients require during treatment and recovery. METHODS Independent database searches were conducted to identify articles describing HNC caregiver health and healthcare utilization. Search terms included key synonyms for head and neck cancer, caregiver, psychological stress, anxiety, depression, mental health service, and delivery of healthcare in the title/abstract. RESULTS After following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) Protocol, a total of 21 studies were included. Among the 21 studies in the review, a total of 1745 caregivers were included. The average age was 57 years, the majority were female (58%-100%), and spouses/partners of the patients (77%). The literature demonstrates significant anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and physical health decline in addition to multifaceted unmet physical and mental health needs among HNC caregivers. CONCLUSION There is no standard for examining HNC caregiver healthcare needs, while there is evidence of increased healthcare utilization. The literature is limited regarding medical burdens faced by caregivers. Future research is needed to assess the physical health and comorbidities of HNC caregivers and their engagement with the healthcare system to guide further implementation of support models to address the needs of this population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Benyo
- The Pennsylvania State University, College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Chandat Phan
- The Pennsylvania State University, College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Neerav Goyal
- Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, The Pennsylvania State University, College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
- Neerav Goyal, MD, MPH, FACS, Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, 500 University Drive, H091, Hershey, PA 17033-0850, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Oakley-Girvan I, Yunis R, Fonda SJ, Neeman E, Liu R, Aghaee S, Ramsey ME, Kubo A, Davis SW. A novel smartphone application for the informal caregivers of cancer patients: Usability study. PLOS DIGITAL HEALTH 2023; 2:e0000173. [PMID: 36867639 PMCID: PMC9983832 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pdig.0000173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 03/04/2023]
Abstract
Informal caregivers are a critical source of support for cancer patients. However, their perspectives are not routinely collected, despite health impacts related to the burden of caregiving. We created the TOGETHERCare smartphone application (app) to collect observer-reported outcomes regarding the cancer patient's health and caregiver's perceptions of their own mental and physical health, and to provide tips and resources for self-care and patient care. We enrolled 54 caregivers between October 2020 and March 2021 from Kaiser Permanente Northern California (KPNC), an integrated healthcare system. Fifty caregivers used the app for approximately 28 days. Usability and acceptability were assessed using questions from the Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS), the System Usability Scale (SUS), the Net Promoter Score (NPS), and semi-structured interviews. The caregivers' mean age was 54.4 years, 38% were female and 36% were non-White. The SUS total mean score was 83.4 (SD = 14.2), for a percentile rank of 90-95 ("excellent"). Median MARS responses to the functionality questions were also high. The NPS score of 30 at the end of the study indicated that most caregivers would recommend the app. Themes from semi-structured interviews were consistent across the study period and indicated that the app was easy to use and helpful. Caregivers indicated a need for feedback from the app, suggested some changes to the wording of questions, the app's visuals, and timing of notifications. This study demonstrated that caregivers are willing to complete frequent surveys about themselves and their patients. The app is unique because it provides a remote method to collect caregivers' observations about the patient that may be useful for clinical care. To our knowledge, TOGETHERCare is the first mobile app developed specifically to capture adult cancer patient symptoms from the informal caregiver's perspective. Future research will examine whether use of this app can help improve patient outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Reem Yunis
- Medable Inc., Palo Alto, California, United States of America
| | | | - Elad Neeman
- Kaiser Permanente Northern California, San Francisco Medical Center, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Raymond Liu
- Kaiser Permanente Northern California, San Francisco Medical Center, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Division of Research, Oakland, California, United States of America
| | - Sara Aghaee
- Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Division of Research, Oakland, California, United States of America
| | - Maya E. Ramsey
- Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Division of Research, Oakland, California, United States of America
| | - Ai Kubo
- Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Division of Research, Oakland, California, United States of America
| | - Sharon W. Davis
- Medable Inc., Palo Alto, California, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Hu K, Liu Q, László KD, Wei D, Yang F, Fall K, Adami HO, Ye W, Valdimarsdóttir UA, Li J, Fang F. Risk of Psychiatric Disorders Among Spouses of Patients With Cancer in Denmark and Sweden. JAMA Netw Open 2023; 6:e2249560. [PMID: 36602801 PMCID: PMC9857700 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.49560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE There is emerging evidence that spouses of patients with cancer may have a higher prevalence of mental illness, but these studies have been limited by pre-post designs, focus on a single mental illness, and short follow-up periods. OBJECTIVES To assess the overall burden of psychiatric disorders among spouses of patients with cancer vs spouses of individuals without cancer and to describe possible changes in this burden over time. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This population based cohort study included spouses of patients with cancer (diagnosed 1986-2016 in Denmark and 1973-2014 in Sweden; exposed group) and spouses of individuals without cancer (unexposed group). Members of the unexposed group were individually matched to individuals in the exposed group on the year of birth, sex, and country. Spouses with and without preexisting psychiatric morbidity were analyzed separately. Data analysis was performed between May 2021 and January 2022. EXPOSURES Being spouse to a patient with cancer. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The main outcome was a clinical diagnosis of psychiatric disorders through hospital-based inpatient or outpatient care. Flexible parametric models and Cox models were fitted to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% CIs, adjusted for sex, age and year at cohort entry, country, household income, and cancer history. RESULTS Among 546 321 spouses in the exposed group and 2 731 574 in the unexposed group who had no preexisting psychiatry morbidity, 46.0% were male participants, with a median (IQR) age at cohort entry of 60 (51-68) years. During follow-up (median, 8.4 vs 7.6 years), the incidence rate of first-onset psychiatric disorders was 6.8 and 5.9 per 1000 person-years for the exposed and unexposed groups, respectively (37 830 spouses of patients with cancer [6.9%]; 153 607 of spouses of individuals without cancer [5.6%]). Risk of first-onset psychiatric disorders increased by 30% (adjusted HR, 1.30; 95% CI, 1.25-1.34) during the first year after cancer diagnosis, especially for depression (adjusted HR, 1.38; 95% CI, 1.30-1.47) and stress-related disorders (adjusted HR, 2.04; 95% CI, 1.88-2.22). Risk of first-onset psychiatric disorders increased by 14% (adjusted HR, 1.14; 95% CI, 1.13-1.16) during the entire follow-up, which was similar for substance abuse, depression, and stress-related disorders. The risk increase was more prominent among spouses of patients diagnosed with a cancer with poor prognosis (eg, pancreatic cancer: adjusted HR, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.32-1.51) or at an advanced stage (adjusted HR, 1.31; 95% CI, 1.26-1.36) and when the patient died during follow-up (adjusted HR, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.27-1.31). Among spouses with preexisting psychiatric morbidity, the risk of psychiatric disorders (first-onset or recurrent) increased by 23% during the entire follow-up (adjusted HR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.20-1.25). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE In this cohort study of 2 populations in Denmark and Sweden, spouses of patients with cancer experienced increased risk of several psychiatric disorders that required hospital-based specialist care. Our results support the need for clinical awareness to prevent potential mental illness among the spouses of patients with cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kejia Hu
- Unit of Integrative Epidemiology, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Qianwei Liu
- Unit of Integrative Epidemiology, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Krisztina D. László
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Dang Wei
- Unit of Integrative Epidemiology, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Fen Yang
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Katja Fall
- Unit of Integrative Epidemiology, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Medical Sciences, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Hans-Olov Adami
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Clinical Effectiveness Group, Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Weimin Ye
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Unnur A. Valdimarsdóttir
- Unit of Integrative Epidemiology, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Center of Public Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Iceland, Reykjavík, Iceland
| | - Jiong Li
- Department of Clinical Medicine & Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Fang Fang
- Unit of Integrative Epidemiology, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Bedaso A, Dejenu G, Duko B. Depression among caregivers of cancer patients: Updated systematic review and meta-analysis. Psychooncology 2022; 31:1809-1820. [PMID: 36209385 PMCID: PMC9828427 DOI: 10.1002/pon.6045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is imperative to provide care for patients with terminal illnesses such as cancer, though it demands time, financial resources and other unmet needs. Subsequently, caregivers might be exposed to psychological stress and other mental health problems. Previous meta-analysis finding shows caregivers of cancer patient suffer from depression. During the past 4 years, there has been a considerable increase in the number of newly studies, and we therefore intended to update this finding and provide current global prevalence of depression among caregivers of Cancer patients. METHODS We searched PubMed, SCOPUS, CINAHIL, Embase, and PsychINFO to identify peer-reviewed studies which reported the prevalence of depression among caregivers of cancer patients using pre-defined eligibility criteria. Studies were pooled to estimate the global prevalence of depression using a random-effect meta-analysis model. Heterogeneity was assessed using Cochran's Q and I2 statistics. Funnel plot asymmetry and Egger's regression tests were used to check for publication bias. RESULT Our search identified 4375 studies, of which 35 studies with 11,396 participants were included in the meta-analysis. In the current review, the pooled prevalence of depression among caregivers of Cancer patients was 42.08% (95% CI: 34.71-49.45). The pooled prevalence of depression was higher in the studies that used cross-sectional data (42%, 95% CI: 31-52) than longitudinal data (34%, 95% CI: 18-50). We also observed a higher rate of depression among female caregivers when compared to their male counterparts (57.6%) (95% CI: 29.5-81.5). CONCLUSION Globally, around two in five cancer patient caregivers screened positive for depression, which needs due attention. Routine screening of depressive symptoms and providing psychosocial support for caregivers is crucial.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Asres Bedaso
- Hawassa UniversityCollege of Medicine and Health SciencesSchool of NursingHawassaEthiopia,Australian Centre for Public and Population Health ResearchSchool of Public HealthFaculty of HealthUniversity of Technology SydneyUltimoNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Getiye Dejenu
- Australian Centre for Public and Population Health ResearchSchool of Public HealthFaculty of HealthUniversity of Technology SydneyUltimoNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Bereket Duko
- Hawassa UniversityCollege of Medicine and Health SciencesSchool of NursingHawassaEthiopia,Curtin School of Population HealthFaculty of Health SciencesCurtin UniversityPerthWestern AustraliaAustralia
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Iwuagwu AO, Ngwu CN, Ekoh CP. Challenges of Female Older Adults Caring for Their very old Parents in Rural Southeast Nigeria: A Qualitative Descriptive Inquiry. JOURNAL OF POPULATION AGEING 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s12062-022-09392-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
|
16
|
Depressive and Anxiety Disorders of Parents of Children with Cancer. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11195670. [PMID: 36233541 PMCID: PMC9572351 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11195670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Every year in Poland there are approximately 1200 new cases of malignant tumours in children and adolescents. Leukaemia, CNS tumours, and lymphomas are the most frequently diagnosed cancers. Coping with a child’s illness is challenging, which is why many parents suffer from anxiety, depression disorders, and even PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder). The aim of this study is to assess the anxiety and depression levels of carers of children with cancer. Method: The study participants were 101 carers of children suffering from cancer. The study was conducted using standardized questionnaires: the Zung ccale, HADS scale, and Karnofsky scale, and three questionnaires designed by the author. Results: According to the results of the Karnofsky scale, carers’ anxiety and depression levels were negatively affected by their children’s poor performance. The younger age of children significantly correlated with the severity of depression in their parents. HADS and Zung scale anxiety levels were observed to have statistically significant effect on the severity of depressive disorders. Conclusions: Receiving a diagnosis of childhood cancer contributes to the incidence of depression and anxiety disorders among carers. Carers’ anxiety and depression levels were strongly associated with their child’s age and their child’s performance.
Collapse
|
17
|
Krishna R, Rajkumar E, Romate J, Allen JG, Monica D. Effect of Carnatic raga-Bilahari based music therapy on anxiety, sleep disturbances and somatic symptoms among caregivers of cancer patients. Heliyon 2022; 8:e10681. [PMID: 36164509 PMCID: PMC9508548 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e10681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Carnatic raga-Bilahari based intervention is a music therapy technique that enhances relaxation and positivity by reducing anxiety. With extensive empirical evidence pointing out the detrimental challenges faced by the caregivers of cancer patients, the present study intends to find out the effectiveness of a Carnatic raga based music therapy on reducing anxiety, sleep disturbances, somatic symptoms and distress level among this population A single group pre-post research design was was used to conduct the study. General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28) was used as a screening tool to select participants, and 30 participants were chosen using the purposive sampling. These individuals received instruction in listening to Carnatic music (raga-Bilahari), 5 days a week. The vocal and instrumental recordings were given on alternative days with each session lasting 15–30 min over a month of standard care. From the findings it is observed that there is significant decrease in the anxiety (p < 0.001), sleep disturbances (p < 0.001), somatic symptoms (p < 0.001) and distress level (p < 0.001) after the intervention.The study result thus indicates that Carnatic raga-Bilahari-based music intervention is effective among caregivers of cancer patients to reduce anxiety, sleep disturbances, somatic symptoms presentation, and their distress level.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Eslavath Rajkumar
- Department of Psychology, Central University of Karnataka, Kalaburagi, India
| | - John Romate
- Department of Psychology, Central University of Karnataka, Kalaburagi, India
| | - Joshua George Allen
- Humanities and Applied Sciences, Indian Institute of Management, Pundag, Ranchi, Jharkhand, India
| | - Daniel Monica
- Department of Psychology, Central University of Karnataka, Kalaburagi, India
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Quality of life, psychological distress, and prognostic perceptions in caregivers of patients with multiple myeloma. Blood Adv 2022; 6:4967-4974. [PMID: 35848842 PMCID: PMC9631626 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2022007127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Although caregivers of patients with multiple myeloma (MM) play a critical role in supporting their loved ones throughout the illness course, studies examining caregiver quality of life (QOL), psychological distress, and prognostic awareness are lacking. We conducted a cross-sectional, multisite study of patients undergoing treatment with MM and their caregivers. Eligible caregivers were enrolled to 1 of 3 cohorts based on lines of therapy. Caregivers completed validated questionnaires to assess their QOL, psychological distress, and perceptions of prognosis. We enrolled 127 caregivers of patients with MM (newly diagnosed [n = 43], 2-3 lines of therapy [n = 40], and ≥4 lines of therapy [n = 44]). Caregiver QOL and psychological distress did not differ by line of therapy. The rate of clinically significant anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms were 44.1% (56/127), 15.8% (20/127), and 24.4% (31/127), respectively. When examined in dyads, caregivers reported higher rates of clinically significant anxiety (44.4% [55/124] vs 22.5% [28/124]) compared with patients with MM. Most caregivers (84.2%, 101/120) reported that the oncologist had informed them that the patient's cancer was incurable; however, only 50.9% (58/114) and 53.6% (59/110) of caregivers acknowledged the patient's cancer was terminal and incurable, respectively. Caregivers of patients undergoing treatment for MM experience substantial psychological distress across the disease continuum, particularly anxiety. The majority of caregivers of patients with MM report that knowing the patient's prognosis is extremely important and report that the oncologist told them that the patient was incurable. Nevertheless, a significant portion of caregivers believe that the patient's MM is curable.
Collapse
|
19
|
Asai M, Matsumoto Y, Miura T, Hasuo H, Maeda I, Ogawa A, Morita T, Uchitomi Y, Kinoshita H. Psychological Distress among Caregivers for Patients Who Die of Cancer: A Preliminary Study in Japan. J NIPPON MED SCH 2022; 89:428-435. [DOI: 10.1272/jnms.jnms.2022_89-410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mariko Asai
- Graduate School of Clinical Psychology, Teikyo Heisei University
| | | | - Tomofumi Miura
- Department of Palliative Medicine, National Cancer Center Hospital East
| | - Hideaki Hasuo
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, Kansai Medical University
| | - Isseki Maeda
- Department of Palliative Care, Senri-Chuo Hospital
| | - Asao Ogawa
- Psycho-Oncology Division, National Cancer Center Hospital East
| | - Tatsuya Morita
- Palliative and Supportive Care, Seirei Mikatahara Hospital
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Mosher CE, Secinti E, Wu W, Kashy DA, Kroenke K, Bricker JB, Helft PR, Turk AA, Loehrer PJ, Sehdev A, Al-Hader AA, Champion VL, Johns SA. Acceptance and commitment therapy for patient fatigue interference and caregiver burden in advanced gastrointestinal cancer: Results of a pilot randomized trial. Palliat Med 2022; 36:1104-1117. [PMID: 35637615 PMCID: PMC9396957 DOI: 10.1177/02692163221099610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fatigue often interferes with functioning in patients with advanced cancer, resulting in increased family caregiver burden. Acceptance and commitment therapy, a promising intervention for cancer-related suffering, has rarely been applied to dyads coping with advanced cancer. AIM To examine the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of acceptance and commitment therapy for patient-caregiver dyads coping with advanced gastrointestinal cancer. Primary outcomes were patient fatigue interference and caregiver burden. DESIGN In this pilot trial, dyads were randomized to six weekly sessions of telephone-delivered acceptance and commitment therapy or education/support, an attention control. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and at 2 weeks and 3 months post-intervention. SETTING/PARTICIPANTS Forty patients with stage III-IV gastrointestinal cancer and fatigue interference and family caregivers with burden or distress were recruited from two oncology clinics and randomized. RESULTS The eligibility screening rate (54%) and retention rate (81% at 2 weeks post-intervention) demonstrated feasibility. At 2 weeks post-intervention, acceptance and commitment therapy participants reported high intervention helpfulness (mean = 4.25/5.00). Group differences in outcomes were not statistically significant. However, when examining within-group change, acceptance and commitment therapy patients showed moderate decline in fatigue interference at both follow-ups, whereas education/support patients did not show improvement at either follow-up. Acceptance and commitment therapy caregivers showed medium decline in burden at 2 weeks that was not sustained at 3 months, whereas education/support caregivers showed little change in burden. CONCLUSIONS Acceptance and commitment therapy showed strong feasibility, acceptability, and promise and warrants further testing. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04010227. Registered 8 July 2019, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04010227?term=catherine+mosher&draw=2&rank=1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Catherine E Mosher
- Department of Psychology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Ekin Secinti
- Department of Psychology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Wei Wu
- Department of Psychology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | | | - Kurt Kroenke
- Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Jonathan B Bricker
- Division of Public Health Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Paul R Helft
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Indiana Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Anita A Turk
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Indiana Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Patrick J Loehrer
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Indiana Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Amikar Sehdev
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Indiana Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Ahmad A Al-Hader
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Indiana Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | | | - Shelley A Johns
- Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Regenstrief Institute Center for Health Services Research, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Quality of Life of Gynaeoncology Patients and Family Caregivers. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19116450. [PMID: 35682034 PMCID: PMC9180710 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19116450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The quality of life of both gynaeoncology patients and their family caregivers is affected by disease. This was a cross-sectional study of gynaeoncology patients and their caregivers in a gynaeoncology clinic and ward in a tertiary centre from 1 November 2017 until 30 April 2018. EQ-5D-5L and SF-36 questionnaires were used for the assessment of quality of life. Sociodemographic characteristics and the quality of life of both patients and caregivers were studied. There were 176 patients approached and 7 patients declined to participate in the study, giving the response rate of 95.9%. A total of 169 patients were recruited and consented to this study. Whereas, for SF-36, five domains that were physical functioning, role limitation due to physical health, energy, pain, and general health were statistically significant between both groups (p < 0.05). Factors that favoured a high quality of life in patients were an early stage of cancer and the absence of comorbidities. While for caregivers, being single or educated was associated with a better quality of life. In our study, we found that the quality of life of gynaeoncology patients was lower than their caregivers based on EQ-5D-5L and SF-36 questionnaires.
Collapse
|
22
|
Pan YC, Lin YS. Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Prevalence of Depression Among Caregivers of Cancer Patients. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:817936. [PMID: 35633789 PMCID: PMC9133351 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.817936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Caregivers of cancer patients commonly experience depressive symptoms due to the heavy burden of caregiving responsibility. OBJECTIVE This meta-analysis examined the prevalence of depression among caregivers of cancer patients. METHODS We included 85 studies covering 23,317 participants published between 2001 and 2021 (25 countries) that reported the prevalence of depression among caregivers of cancer patients. We examined the pooled prevalence of depression and hypothesized moderators, including year, age, sex, geographic regions, percentage of spousal caregivers, depression measures, and cancer stage. RESULTS All 85 effect sizes included 6,077 caregivers of patients with depression. The weighted average prevalence of depression was 25.14% (95% CI, 21.42-29.27%) among caregivers. The prevalence rates were moderated by geographic region, patients' cancer stage, and measures for depression. The prevalence rates also varied among the different measures assessing depression. The prevalence rate decreased with the mean age of the caregivers and the percentage of spousal caregivers. CONCLUSIONS This study revealed a high prevalence of depression among caregivers of cancer patients. The prevalence rates also varied with the study design, demographics of caregivers, and patients' medical information. These findings highlight that psychological support and intervention may be crucial for patients and their caregivers in clinical practice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuan-Chien Pan
- Department of Psychology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yaw-Sheng Lin
- Department of Psychology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Kassir ZM, Li J, Harrison C, Johnson JT, Nilsen ML. Disparity of perception of quality of life between head and neck cancer patients and caregivers. BMC Cancer 2021; 21:1127. [PMID: 34670507 PMCID: PMC8527693 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-021-08865-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Caregivers are invaluable sources of support for individuals recovering from head and neck cancer (HNC). Accordingly, minimizing caregiver distress is essential to promote the well-being of both caregivers and their patients. This study assessed if psychosocial distress (i.e., anxiety and depression) among HNC caregivers is associated with a difference in how caregivers and their patients perceive patients’ quality of life (QOL) after treatment completion. Methods Caregivers’ and patients’ perceptions of patient QOL were assessed using the University of Washington QOL Questionaire (UWQOL), a validated HNC-specific health-related QOL questionnaire. The survey is interpreted in terms of its two composite scores: a physical QOL score and a social-emotional QOL score with higher scores indicating better QOL. Caregiver anxiety was assessed using the Generalized Anxiety Questionaire-7 (GAD-7) and caregiver depression was assessed using the Patient Health Questionaire 8 (PHQ-8). Patients completed the UWQOL as part of clinic intake while caregivers were asked to complete the UWQOL for their patients in addition to the PHQ-8 and GAD-7 in private. Linear regression was used to analyze the association between differences in caregivers’ and patients’ QOL scores (both social-emotional and physical QOL subscale scores) and GAD-7 and PHQ-8 scores. Results Of 47 caregivers recruited, 42.6% (n = 20) viewed patients’ social-emotional QOL more negatively than patients themselves, while 31.9% viewed patients’ physical QOL more negatively. After controlling for covariates, differences in perception of social-emotional QOL (p = .01) and differences in perception of physical QOL (p = .007) were significantly associated with caregiver depression, but not anxiety. Caregivers who disagreed with patients regarding patients’ social-emotional QOL scored 6.80 points higher on the PHQ8 than agreeing caregivers. Caregivers who disagreed regarding patients’ physical QOL scored 6.09 points higher. Conclusion Caregivers commonly view patients’ QOL more negatively than patients themselves. These caregivers tend to have greater psychosocial distress than caregivers who agree with their patients. Interventions designed to identify and aid at-risk caregivers are critically needed. We propose screening for differences in perception of patient QOL as a way of identifying distressed caregivers as well as provider-facilitated communication between patients and caregivers as possible interventions that should be examined in future research. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12885-021-08865-7.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zachary M Kassir
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Eye & Ear Institute, 203 Lothrop Street, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Jinhong Li
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health, 130 De Soto Street, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA
| | - Christine Harrison
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Eye & Ear Institute, 203 Lothrop Street, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Jonas T Johnson
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Eye & Ear Institute, 203 Lothrop Street, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Marci L Nilsen
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Eye & Ear Institute, 203 Lothrop Street, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA. .,Department of Acute and Tertiary Care, University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing, 318A Victoria Building, 3500 Victoria Street, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Hsu J, Sansom-Daly UM, Hetherington K, Ellis SJ, Donoghoe MW, Cohn RJ, Zentella-Tusie A, Wakefield CE. Health service and medication use of parents of childhood cancer survivors: a controlled comparison study. Acta Oncol 2021; 60:1325-1334. [PMID: 34308777 DOI: 10.1080/0284186x.2021.1955968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parents of childhood cancer survivors may be vulnerable to experiencing poor health outcomes, but little is known about how these parents use healthcare. This study investigated the nature and extent of survivors' parents' healthcare and medication use relative to a comparison group. We also examined whether demographic or cancer-related factors were related to healthcare use and whether healthcare use was associated with parents' general functioning. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional study involving 55 parents of cancer survivors recruited through eight Australian hospitals, and 135 parents of children without a cancer diagnosis, through an online recruitment platform. Participants responded to a questionnaire assessing their health service usage, regular medications, general functioning (engagement activities including work/study) and anxiety and depression symptoms (using PROMIS short forms). We performed regression analysis to determine factors related to healthcare and medication use in parents of survivors. RESULTS More parents of survivors reported accessing mental health services than comparison parents (56% vs. 33%, p=.003), mainly due to their use of social workers. Fewer parents of survivors reported accessing other community health services, particularly general practitioners (51% vs. 78%, p<.001). Having a child survivor who was male was associated with greater use of community health services (B= -0.67, p=.008). No other demographic or cancer-related variables were associated with health service use. Health service use was not associated with general functioning, but greater medication use was associated with higher anxiety scores (B = 1.41, p=.008). CONCLUSION Parents of childhood cancer survivors showed different patterns of health service use relative to comparison parents, but the extent of their use was not significantly linked with demographic or cancer-related variables. Comprehensive assessment of parents' needs in clinical encounters remains vital to identify and appropriately match support needs with available services.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jing Hsu
- School of Women’s and Children’s Health, UNSW Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Australia
- Behavioural Sciences Unit, Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick, Australia
| | - Ursula M. Sansom-Daly
- School of Women’s and Children’s Health, UNSW Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Australia
- Behavioural Sciences Unit, Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick, Australia
- Sydney Youth Cancer Service, Nelune Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick, Australia
| | - Kate Hetherington
- School of Women’s and Children’s Health, UNSW Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Australia
- Behavioural Sciences Unit, Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick, Australia
| | - Sarah J. Ellis
- School of Women’s and Children’s Health, UNSW Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Australia
- Behavioural Sciences Unit, Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick, Australia
| | - Mark W. Donoghoe
- School of Women’s and Children’s Health, UNSW Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Australia
- Behavioural Sciences Unit, Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick, Australia
- Stats Central, Mark Wainwright Analytical Centre, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, Australia
| | - Richard J. Cohn
- School of Women’s and Children’s Health, UNSW Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Australia
- Behavioural Sciences Unit, Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick, Australia
| | - Alejandra Zentella-Tusie
- Psychology Area, Superior Institute of Psychological Studies (ISEP) University, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Claire E. Wakefield
- School of Women’s and Children’s Health, UNSW Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Australia
- Behavioural Sciences Unit, Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Litzelman K, Choi H, Maher M, Harnish A. How do spouses of cancer survivors engage with mental healthcare? An exploratory analysis of visit characteristics. Psychooncology 2021; 30:1973-1981. [PMID: 34291844 DOI: 10.1002/pon.5773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To better understand how cancer caregivers engage with mental healthcare, this exploratory study sought to assess the distribution and correlates of visit characteristics for mental health-related medical care among spouses of cancer survivors. METHODS Using nationally representative data from the Medical Expenditures Panel Survey, we assessed the proportion of caregivers who received a mental health-related prescription or psychotherapy visit across care settings (office based, outpatient hospital, emergency room, or inpatient visit), provider type (psychiatric, primary care, other specialty, or other), and visit purpose (regular checkup, diagnosis and treatment, follow-up, psychotherapy, other), and the health condition(s) associated with the visit. Logistic and multinomial regressions assessed the predisposing, enabling, need, and survivor characteristics associated with the visit characteristics. RESULTS A plurality of spouses of cancer survivors accessed mental healthcare through an office-based visit (90%) with a primary care provider (47%). One third accessed treatment as part of a regular check-up (32%). Several factors were associated with visit characteristics, notably the cancer survivor's health status and healthcare utilization. CONCLUSIONS The findings provide an important reminder of the often-invisible mental health burden experienced by cancer caregivers and confirm the importance of routine primary care as a doorway to mental healthcare. Assessing how the care recipient's care needs and caregiving itself may act as barriers to specialty care will be a critical future research trajectory.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristin Litzelman
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA.,University of Wisconsin-Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Hyojin Choi
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Molly Maher
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Autumn Harnish
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Hlubocky FJ, Sher TG, Cella D, Wroblewski KE, Peppercorn J, Daugherty CK. Anxiety Shapes Expectations of Therapeutic Benefit in Phase I Trials for Patients With Advanced Cancer and Spousal Caregivers. JCO Oncol Pract 2021; 17:e101-e110. [PMID: 33567241 DOI: 10.1200/op.20.00646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Advanced cancer patients (ACP) hope to receive significant therapeutic benefit from phase I trials despite terminal disease and presumed symptom burdens. We examined associations between symptom burdens and expectations of therapeutic benefit for ACP and spousal caregivers (SC) during phase I trials. PATIENTS AND METHODS A prospective cohort of ACP-SC enrolled in phase I trials was assessed at baseline and one month using symptom burden measures evaluating depression, state-trait anxiety, quality of life, global health, post-traumatic coping, and marital adjustment. Interviews evaluated expectations of benefit. RESULTS Fifty-two phase I ACP and 52 SC (N = 104) were separately assessed and interviewed at baseline and one month. Total population demographics included the following: median age 61 years (28-78), 50% male, 100% married, 90% White, and 46% ≥ college education. At T1, ACP reported symptoms of mild state anxiety, mild trait anxiety, poor global health, and quality of life. SC reported moderate state and mild trait anxiety and good global health with little disability at baseline. State anxiety was a significant predictor of ACP expectations for phase I producing the following therapeutic benefits: stabilization (P = .01), shrinkage (P < .01), and remission (P = .04). Regression analyses also revealed negative associations between SC expectation for stabilization and SC anxiety: state (P = .01) and trait (P = .02). ACP quality of life was also negatively associated with SC expectations for stabilization (P = .02) and shrinkage (P = .01). CONCLUSION Anxiety, both state and trait, impacts couples' beliefs regarding the likelihood of therapeutic benefit from phase I trial participation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fay J Hlubocky
- Department of Medicine, Hematology/Oncology, MacLean Center for Clinical Medical Ethics, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - Tamara G Sher
- Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL
| | - David Cella
- Departments of Medical Social Sciences, Psychiatry Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
| | | | - Jeffery Peppercorn
- Division of Medicine, Hematology & Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Dana Farber Partners, Boston, MA
| | - Christopher K Daugherty
- Department of Medicine, Hematology/Oncology, MacLean Center for Clinical Medical Ethics, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Mosher CE, Secinti E, Kroenke K, Helft PR, Turk AA, Loehrer PJ, Sehdev A, Al-Hader AA, Champion VL, Johns SA. Acceptance and commitment therapy for fatigue interference in advanced gastrointestinal cancer and caregiver burden: protocol of a pilot randomized controlled trial. Pilot Feasibility Stud 2021; 7:99. [PMID: 33879253 PMCID: PMC8056101 DOI: 10.1186/s40814-021-00837-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fatigue interference with activities, mood, and cognition is one of the most prevalent and bothersome concerns of advanced gastrointestinal (GI) cancer patients. As fatigue interferes with patient functioning, family caregivers often report feeling burdened by increasing responsibilities. Evidence-based interventions jointly addressing cancer patient fatigue interference and caregiver burden are lacking. In pilot studies, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) has shown promise for addressing symptom-related suffering in cancer patients. The current pilot trial seeks to test a novel, dyadic ACT intervention for both advanced GI cancer patients with moderate-to-severe fatigue interference and their family caregivers with significant caregiving burden or distress. METHODS A minimum of 40 patient-caregiver dyads will be randomly assigned to either the ACT intervention or an education/support control condition. Dyads in both conditions attend six weekly 50-min telephone sessions. Outcomes are assessed at baseline as well as 2 weeks and 3 months post-intervention. We will evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of ACT for improving patient fatigue interference and caregiver burden. Secondary outcomes include patient sleep interference and patient and caregiver engagement in daily activities, psychological flexibility, and quality of life. We will also explore the effects of ACT on patient and caregiver physical and mental health service use. DISCUSSION Findings will inform a large-scale trial of intervention efficacy. Results will also lay the groundwork for further novel applications of ACT to symptom interference with functioning and caregiver burden in advanced cancer. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov , NCT04010227 . Registered 8 July 2019.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Catherine E. Mosher
- Department of Psychology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, 402 North Blackford Street, LD 124, Indianapolis, IN 46202 USA
| | - Ekin Secinti
- Department of Psychology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, 402 North Blackford Street, LD 124, Indianapolis, IN 46202 USA
| | - Kurt Kroenke
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Center for Health Services Research, Regenstrief Institute, 1101 W. 10th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202 USA
| | - Paul R. Helft
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indiana Cancer Pavilion, 535 Barnhill Drive, Suite 473, Indianapolis, IN 46202 USA
| | - Anita A. Turk
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indiana Cancer Pavilion, 535 Barnhill Drive, Suite 473, Indianapolis, IN 46202 USA
| | - Patrick J. Loehrer
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indiana Cancer Pavilion, 535 Barnhill Drive, Suite 473, Indianapolis, IN 46202 USA
| | - Amikar Sehdev
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indiana Cancer Pavilion, 535 Barnhill Drive, Suite 473, Indianapolis, IN 46202 USA
| | - Ahmad A. Al-Hader
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indiana Cancer Pavilion, 535 Barnhill Drive, Suite 473, Indianapolis, IN 46202 USA
| | - Victoria L. Champion
- Indiana University School of Nursing, 1111 Middle Drive, NU 340G, Indianapolis, IN 46202 USA
| | - Shelley A. Johns
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Center for Health Services Research, Regenstrief Institute, 1101 W. 10th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202 USA
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Litzelman K, Choi H, Maher ME, Harnish A. Role of cancer survivor health and health service use in spouses' use of mental health-related care. Cancer 2020; 127:1146-1153. [PMID: 33290580 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.33345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spouses of cancer survivors are at an increased risk of poor mental health outcomes but are known to underuse supportive services. The objective of the current study was to determine how the health and health care use of cancer survivors were associated with depression and anxiety-related health care use in their spouses. METHODS The current observational study used data from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey to identify married individuals with a cancer-related medical event or disability ("cancer survivors"), and linked health and health care use data across spousal dyads. Spouses reporting a prescription for an antidepressant or antianxiety medication or any psychotherapy were flagged as having used mental health care. Correlates of use were assessed, with a focus on the health and health care use of the cancer survivor. RESULTS Greater than 25% of the spouses of cancer survivors used mental health care over the approximately 2.5 years of follow-up. Controlling for their own predisposing, enabling, and need characteristics, spouses were found to be less likely to use mental health care if the cancer survivor reported more health conditions or elevated depressed mood compared with dyads in which the survivor reported low distress and depression. Spouses were nearly 3 times more likely to use mental health care if the cancer survivor themselves had used mental health care (odds ratio, 2.98; 95% confidence interval, 2.17-4.09). CONCLUSIONS The findings of the current study enhance understanding of how health outcomes are intertwined in families with cancer, and reinforce the importance of a family-centered approach to cancer care that facilitates psychosocial care. LAY SUMMARY The health and well-being of cancer survivors and their spouses are intertwined. The results of the current study demonstrated that this interrelationship extends to mental health care related to depression and anxiety. Spouses of cancer survivors were found to be less likely to receive mental health care when the survivor had more health care needs. Spouses were nearly 3 times more likely to receive care if the survivor also was receiving mental health care. Caregiving spouses may face more challenges finding the time, money, or energy to engage in their own self-care. However, providing supportive care to one partner may help the other partner access care as well.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristin Litzelman
- Human Development and Family Studies, School of Human Ecology, University of Wisconsin at Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Hyojin Choi
- Human Development and Family Studies, School of Human Ecology, University of Wisconsin at Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Molly E Maher
- Human Development and Family Studies, School of Human Ecology, University of Wisconsin at Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Autumn Harnish
- Human Development and Family Studies, School of Human Ecology, University of Wisconsin at Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Fisekovic Kremic MB. Factors associated with depression, anxiety and stress among patients with diabetes mellitus in primary health care: Many questions, few answers. MALAYSIAN FAMILY PHYSICIAN : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE ACADEMY OF FAMILY PHYSICIANS OF MALAYSIA 2020; 15:54-61. [PMID: 33329863 PMCID: PMC7735874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION People with diabetes mellitus (DM) may have concurrent mental health disorders and have been shown to have poorer disease outcomes. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study to determine the prevalence of DASS in patients with diabetes mellitus without mental disorders, aged 20 years or more, in primary health care, and to determine any association between DASS and patients' sociodemographic and clinical attributes. METHODS This was a cross-sectional study conducted in a primary health care center, in the department of general practice. Patients with DM who visited the doctor and agreed to fill in the questionnaire were included in the study. Data were collected using the questionnaire DASS-21. Descriptive statistics, the Pearson chi-square test, and logistic regression analysis were used to analyze the data. RESULTS Out of a total of 102 respondents with DM, 29 (28.4%) had some form of psychological symptoms. The prevalence of DASS was 16.7%, 16.6%, and 23.5%, respectively. There was no significant difference between sociodemographic variables according to stress status. Respondents aged 40-49 years more often showed emotional states of depression and anxiety. There was a significant association between emotional status of DASS and HbA1c values. Logistic regression analysis indicated that age (OR=2.57, 95% CI: 1.59-4.13) was a predictor of depression and anxiety. CONCLUSION Unpleasant emotional states DASS are common in patients with DM, depression (16.7%), anxiety (16.6%), and stress (23.5%). Age is the strongest predictor of DASS status. The screening and monitoring of unpleasant emotional states in people with diabetes should be performed from a young age.
Collapse
|
30
|
Akechi T, Mishiro I, Fujimoto S, Murase K. Risk of major depressive disorder in spouses of cancer patients in Japan: A cohort study using health insurance-based claims data. Psychooncology 2020; 29:1224-1227. [PMID: 32364679 PMCID: PMC7384032 DOI: 10.1002/pon.5403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Revised: 04/22/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tatsuo Akechi
- Department of Psychiatry And Cognitive-Behavioral Medicine, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Izumi Mishiro
- Japan Medical Office, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shinji Fujimoto
- Japan Medical Office, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Katsuhito Murase
- Japan Medical Office, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Tokyo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Peh CX, Liu J, Mahendran R. Quality of life and emotional distress among caregivers of patients newly diagnosed with cancer: Understanding trajectories across the first year post-diagnosis. J Psychosoc Oncol 2020; 38:557-572. [PMID: 32367769 DOI: 10.1080/07347332.2020.1760994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The cancer caregiving experience is multifaceted and dynamic across different phases of the cancer care continuum. This longitudinal study examined the trajectories of CQOL and caregiver emotional distress across the first year post-diagnosis. METHODS Participants were 111 caregivers of newly diagnosed patients who completed baseline, 6-month, and 12-month follow-ups. Trajectories of CQOL, CQOL domains, caregiver depression, anxiety, and stress, were estimated using linear and quadratic mixed models. RESULTS The trajectory of overall CQOL followed an inverse U-shape trend, while caregiver depression, anxiety, and stress remained stable. For CQOL domains, physical/practical needs followed a gradual trend of improvement, while social support followed an inverse U-shape trend; caregiver burden, emotional reactivity, and responsibility/duty remained stable. CONCLUSIONS The multidimensional needs of caregivers of newly diagnosed patients appeared to follow different trajectories across the first year post-diagnosis. While most CQOL domains remained stable, caregivers may experience adjustment difficulties in terms of relational concerns and social support.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chao Xu Peh
- Department of Psychology, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.,Department of Psychological Medicine, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jianlin Liu
- Department of Psychological Medicine, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore.,Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Rathi Mahendran
- Department of Psychological Medicine, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore.,Academic Development Department, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Rousseau MC, Baumstarck K, Valkov M, Felce A, Brisse C, Khaldi-Cherif S, Loundou A, Auquier P, Billette de Villemeur T. Impact of severe polyhandicap cared for at home on French informal caregivers' burden: a cross-sectional study. BMJ Open 2020; 10:e032257. [PMID: 32014871 PMCID: PMC7045096 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2019-032257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Polyhandicap (PLH), defined by a combination of profound intellectual impairment and serious motor deficits, is a severe condition with complex disabilities. In France, care of the large majority of PLH individuals is managed in specialised rehabilitation centres or residential facilities, but some of PLH individuals are cared for at home. The aims of this study were to assess the self-perceived burden among informal caregivers of PLH individuals and to identify potential determinants of this burden. DESIGN Cross-sectional study (Neuropaediatric Department, Trousseau Hospital, Paris, France). SETTINGS PLH children were recruited from a specialised paediatric/neurological department. PARTICIPANTS The selection criteria of caregivers were age above 18 years and being the PLH individual's next of kin. OUTCOMES MEASURES From March 2015 to December 2016, data were collected from the caregivers, including sociodemographical data, health status, psycho-behavioural data (quality of life, mood disorders and coping) and self-perceived burden. In addition, the health status of the PLH individual was collected. Relationships between the burden scores and potential determinants were tested (correlations coefficients, Mann-Whitney tests, generalised estimating equations models). RESULTS Eighty-four children were eligible; 77 families returned their questionnaire. The informal caregivers of PLH children experienced a high level of perceived burden (scores ranged from 55±20 to 81±12). Eighty per cent of them had more than 5 hours of daily caregiving and 51% of them had to get up more than twice during the night. The main factors associated with caregiver burden were age, financial issues, health status, daily care and coping strategies. The patients' health status was not associated with caregiver burden. CONCLUSIONS Some of the caregiver burden determinants might be modifiable. These findings should help healthcare workers and health-decision makers implement specific and appropriate interventions. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT02400528.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Christine Rousseau
- Hôpital San Salvadour, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, Île-de-France, France
- EA 3279, Self-perceived Health Assessment Research Unit, Aix-Marseille Universite, Marseille, France
| | - Karine Baumstarck
- EA 3279, Self-perceived Health Assessment Research Unit, Aix-Marseille Universite, Marseille, France
| | - Maria Valkov
- Hôpital San Salvadour, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, Île-de-France, France
| | - Agnés Felce
- Hôpital Marin d'Hendaye, Assistance Publique Hopitaux de Paris, Paris, Île-de-France, France
| | - Catherine Brisse
- Comité d'Études, d'Éducation et de Soins Auprès des Personnes Polyhandicapées, Paris, France
| | | | - Anderson Loundou
- EA 3279, Self-perceived Health Assessment Research Unit, Aix-Marseille Universite, Marseille, France
| | - Pascal Auquier
- EA 3279, Self-perceived Health Assessment Research Unit, Aix-Marseille Universite, Marseille, France
| | - Thierry Billette de Villemeur
- Hôpital de La Roche Guyon, Assistance Publique - Hopitaux de Paris, Paris, Île-de-France, France
- Pathologie du développement, Sorbonne Université, UPMC, GRC ConCer-LD, Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Fekih-Romdhane F, Henchiri H, Ridha R, Rahal K, Labbane R, Cheour M. Cancer du sein chez la femme : évaluation du niveau de fardeau chez les conjoints. PSYCHO-ONCOLOGIE 2020. [DOI: 10.3166/pson-2019-0092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Introduction : Les conjoints de patientes atteintes de cancer du sein représenteraient souvent la première source de soutien de leurs femmes et seraient lourdement sollicités dans la prise en charge aux différents stades de la maladie. Nous nous proposons à travers ce travail d’étudier le niveau de fardeau chez des conjoints de femmes souffrant de cancer du sein et d’analyser l’association entre le niveau de fardeau, la détresse psychologique du conjoint, les données relatives au cancer du sein et les données sociodémographiques chez cette population.
Méthode : Il s’agit d’une étude transversale réalisée auprès des patientes atteintes de cancer du sein, suivies en ambulatoire, ayant été accompagnées par leurs conjoints en consultation. Le recueil des données s’est fait au moyen d’une fiche qui comportait les données sociodémographiques et cliniques, la mesure de la détresse psychologique à l’aide de l’échelle Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scales et l’évaluation du fardeau au moyen de l’inventaire du fardeau de Zarit.
Résultats : L’âge moyen des patientes incluses était de 53,64 ans. La majorité des couples vivaient en milieu urbain (74 %) et avaient un niveau socioéconomique moyen (76 %). La maladie était à un stade avancé dans 36 % des cas, et un traitement chirurgical a été réalisé dans 84 % des cas. La majorité des conjoints présentaient un niveau élevé de détresse psychologique : 46 % avaient une dépression modérée à sévère, 60 % avaient une anxiété modérée à sévère et 51 % avaient un stress modéré à sévère. Le score médian de fardeau était de 35, avec des extrêmes de 15 et 64. Un niveau de fardeau élevé était significativement associé à la profession de la patiente, au niveau scolaire et à la profession du conjoint, au stade du cancer, à la présence de douleur et de fatigue, au traitement chirurgical et aux scores de dépression, de stress et d’anxiété.
Conclusion : Détecter un éventuel fardeau ressenti par le conjoint en dépistant la population à risque et le prendre en charge de manière adéquate permettraient de garantir une meilleure adhésion aux soins de leurs épouses aux différents stades de la maladie.
Collapse
|
34
|
Benson JJ, Oliver DP, Washington KT, Rolbiecki AJ, Lombardo CB, Garza JE, Demiris G. Online social support groups for informal caregivers of hospice patients with cancer. Eur J Oncol Nurs 2019; 44:101698. [PMID: 31816508 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejon.2019.101698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2019] [Revised: 09/19/2019] [Accepted: 11/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Social support is an important factor in reducing caregiver burden, however, accessing social support via traditional means is often challenging for family caregivers of hospice patients. Online support groups may offer an effective solution. The present study sought to understand dynamics of online social support among family and other informal (e.g., friends) caregivers of hospice cancer patients in an online social support group. The primary aim of the study was to identify types of online social support and support-seeking behaviors, with a secondary aim to understand informal hospice caregivers' preferences for social support. METHOD Data used in this study were collected as part of a federally funded randomized clinical trial of an informal hospice cancer caregiver support intervention. Findings are based on directed and conventional content analysis of support group members' posts and comments-including text and images-and a sample of caregivers' exit interviews. RESULTS Analyses demonstrated that the majority of online support provided by group members was emotional support, followed by companionship support, appraisal support, and informational support. Instrumental support was rarely provided. Support was primarily elicited in an indirect manner through self-disclosure and patient updates, with few overt requests for support. CONCLUSIONS Findings suggest online social support groups can be a valuable resource for informal caregivers who are in need of emotional support and lack the ability to access face-to-face support groups. Clinical implications of this research to healthcare systems regarding the importance of incorporating nurses and other medical professionals as co-facilitators of online support groups are discussed.
Collapse
|
35
|
Fatiregun O, Sowunmi AC, Habeebu M, Okediji P, Alabi A, Fatiregun O, Adeniji A, Awofeso O, Adegboyega B. Prevalence and Correlates of Unmet Supportive Needs of Nigerian Patients With Cancer. J Glob Oncol 2019; 5:1-9. [PMID: 31246552 PMCID: PMC6613661 DOI: 10.1200/jgo.19.00043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Diagnosis and treatment of cancer are associated with significant psychological distress, and patients face a broad range of challenges that create a vacuum of unmet needs felt by patients, such as a loss of personal control and frustration. The aim of the current study was to determine the magnitude, distribution, and correlates of unmet needs in Nigerian patients with cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS Using a descriptive cross-sectional approach, we assessed 205 patients with cancer who attended oncology outpatient clinics at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital. Eligible patients were administered the Supportive Care Needs Survey (SCNS) –Short Form 34 with a focus on five domains of need: psychological, health system and information, physical and daily living, patient care and support, and sexuality. RESULTS Mean age was 47.4 ± 12.3 years and patients were predominantly female (96.6%). The most common diagnosis was breast cancer (92.2%), and mean duration since diagnosis was 20.9 ± 21.9 months for all patients. Mean SCNS score was 83.9 ± 24.8 and at least 46% of participants indicated unmet needs in 15 items of the SCNS. The most frequent unattended needs were related to the health information (53.4%), physical and daily living (49.4%), psychological (48.5%), sexuality, and patient care and support domains. None of the factors considered—age, sex marital status, family type, educational attainment, employment status, economic status, the presence of financial support, social support, and cancer type—was significantly predictive of unmet needs in these patients (P > .05). CONCLUSION Nigerian patients with cancer experience considerable levels of unmet needs. These needs require urgent and long-term interventions to help patients achieve increased care satisfaction and a better quality of life.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Paul Okediji
- Solar Center for International Development and Research, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Adewumi Alabi
- Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Idi-araba, Lagos, Nigeria
| | | | | | - Opeyemi Awofeso
- Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Idi-araba, Lagos, Nigeria
| | | |
Collapse
|
36
|
Shaffer KM, Benvengo S, Zaleta AK, Levine M, Bellantoni C, Dannaoui A, Buzaglo JS, Applebaum AJ. Feasibility and Acceptability of Distress Screening for Family Caregivers at a Cancer Surgery Center. Oncol Nurs Forum 2019; 46:159-169. [PMID: 30767970 DOI: 10.1188/19.onf.159-169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine the feasibility and acceptability of a validated electronic distress screening program for cancer caregivers. SAMPLE & SETTING 17 informal caregivers presenting with a patient with cancer to an ambulatory cancer surgery center. METHODS & VARIABLES Caregivers completed the CancerSupportSource®-Caregiver screening and a brief semistructured interview concerning the screening. RESULTS Caregivers described the screening as straightforward and comprehensive. They endorsed concerns about their self-care needs but were most likely to request information or a referral for patient-focused concerns. Referrals generated from the program are likely viably addressed with existing supportive care resources. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING Brief, caregiver-focused distress screening is perceived positively by caregivers. Caregivers indicated that they felt it validated the importance of their role and highlighted the hospital's efforts to continually improve care. This screening program may be particularly beneficial in ambulatory surgical centers to efficiently identify caregivers with concerns and provide a point of entry to remediate these concerns.
Collapse
|
37
|
Lazzarotto S, Martin F, Saint-Laurent A, Hamidou Z, Aghababian V, Auquier P, Baumstarck K. Coping with age-related hearing loss: patient-caregiver dyad effects on quality of life. Health Qual Life Outcomes 2019; 17:86. [PMID: 31118046 PMCID: PMC6532176 DOI: 10.1186/s12955-019-1161-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Accepted: 05/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Patients with age -related hearing loss (ARHL) and their natural caregivers have to confront a disability that produces progressive lifestyle changes. There is an interest in studying the ability of patients and their caregivers to cope with the difficulties that affect quality of life (QoL). In a sample of patient-caregiver dyads in the specific context of ARHL, we examine whether the QoL of patients and caregivers is influenced by the coping processes they use from a specific actor-partner interdependence model (APIM). METHODS This cross-sectional study involved dyads with patients having a diagnosis of ARHL. The self-reported data included QoL (WHOQoL-BREF) and coping strategies (BriefCope). The APIM was used to test the dyadic effects of coping strategies on QoL. RESULTS A total of 448 dyads were included; the patients and caregivers were love partners for 59% of the dyads. Coping strategies, such as social support, avoidance, problem solving, and positive thinking, exhibited evidence of actor effects (degree to which the individual's coping strategies are associated with their own QoL). Effects on the partner (degree to which the individual's coping strategies are associated with the QoL of the other member of the dyad) were found, i.e., when the patients mobilized their coping strategy based on social support and problem-solving, their caregivers reported higher environmental QoL. CONCLUSION This study emphasizes that the QoL for patients and their caregivers was directly related to the coping strategies they used. This finding suggests that targeted interventions should be offered to help patients and their relatives to implement more effective coping strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sébastien Lazzarotto
- EA 3279 CEReSS - Health Service Research and Quality of Life Center, Aix-Marseille Univ, Marseille, France. .,Centre de Prévention du Bien Vieillir PACA, Marseille, France.
| | - Florence Martin
- Centre de Prévention Bien Vieillir de Toulouse, Marseille, France
| | | | - Zeinab Hamidou
- EA 3279 CEReSS - Health Service Research and Quality of Life Center, Aix-Marseille Univ, Marseille, France.,National Clinical Research Quality of Life in Oncology Platform, Marseille, France
| | - Valérie Aghababian
- EA 3279 CEReSS - Health Service Research and Quality of Life Center, Aix-Marseille Univ, Marseille, France
| | - Pascal Auquier
- EA 3279 CEReSS - Health Service Research and Quality of Life Center, Aix-Marseille Univ, Marseille, France.,National Clinical Research Quality of Life in Oncology Platform, Marseille, France
| | - Karine Baumstarck
- EA 3279 CEReSS - Health Service Research and Quality of Life Center, Aix-Marseille Univ, Marseille, France.,National Clinical Research Quality of Life in Oncology Platform, Marseille, France
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Rodenbach RA, Norton SA, Wittink MN, Mohile S, Prigerson HG, Duberstein PR, Epstein RM. When chemotherapy fails: Emotionally charged experiences faced by family caregivers of patients with advanced cancer. PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2019; 102:909-915. [PMID: 30579772 PMCID: PMC6491225 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2018.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2018] [Revised: 11/23/2018] [Accepted: 12/12/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore family caregivers' emotional experiences while caring for patients with advanced cancer and navigating distressing information, awareness of dying, and difficult decisions. METHODS Qualitative descriptive study of semi-structured interviews with 92 bereaved caregivers of patients with advanced cancer. Interviews explored caregivers' experiences as patients transitioned out of active cancer treatment and neared the end of life. RESULTS Included in caregivers' characterization of this transition time were three particularly emotionally charged experiences. The first occurred when caregivers felt jolted into awareness that patients were dying.They were startled to realize that patients would die sooner than expected; some expressed frustration that they had not been adequately warned. In the second, caregivers felt conflicted when involved in decisions that pitted patients' preferences against what caregivers felt patients needed, resulting in ambivalence, guilt, and grief. Thirdly, caregivers who felt they did their best for patients expressed fulfillment and gratitude. CONCLUSION Caregivers of patients with advanced cancer face unique, emotionally charged experiences that can lead to distress and affect care at the end of life. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Awareness of these situations may help oncology teams to provide sufficient guidance and support, partner with caregivers to clarify patients' needs, and deliver higher quality care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rachel A Rodenbach
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, 3459 5th Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA; Center for Communication and Disparities Research, 1381 South Ave, Rochester, NY, 14620, USA.
| | - Sally A Norton
- University of Rochester Medical Center, 601 Elmwood Ave, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA
| | - Marsha N Wittink
- University of Rochester Medical Center, 601 Elmwood Ave, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA
| | - Supriya Mohile
- University of Rochester Medical Center, 601 Elmwood Ave, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA
| | - Holly G Prigerson
- Weill Cornell Medicine, 413 E 69th St, New York City, NY, 10021, USA
| | - Paul R Duberstein
- University of Rochester Medical Center, 601 Elmwood Ave, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA; Center for Communication and Disparities Research, 1381 South Ave, Rochester, NY, 14620, USA; Rutgers School of Public Health, 683 Hoes Lane West, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Ronald M Epstein
- University of Rochester Medical Center, 601 Elmwood Ave, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA; Center for Communication and Disparities Research, 1381 South Ave, Rochester, NY, 14620, USA
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Sherman DW. A Review of the Complex Role of Family Caregivers as Health Team Members and Second-Order Patients. Healthcare (Basel) 2019; 7:healthcare7020063. [PMID: 31022837 PMCID: PMC6627519 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare7020063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2019] [Revised: 04/19/2019] [Accepted: 04/19/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In Palliative Care, the unit of care is the patient and their family. Although members of the health care team often address the family caregiver’s opinions and concerns, the focus of care remains on the needs of the patient. The readiness and willingness of the family caregiver is often overlooked as they are expected to assume a complex caregiving role. When family caregivers are not intellectually or emotionally prepared or physically capable, the caregiver is at high risk for serious health issues and cognitive, emotional, and physical decline particularly as caregiving extends over time. Family caregivers are often a neglected and at-risk population. Illustrated through the use of a case study, this article addresses the complex role of family caregivers, as both health team members and second-order patients. It emphasizes the importance of family assessment and interventions to balance the burdens and benefits of family caregiving and protect caregivers’ health and well-being.
Collapse
|
40
|
Cipolletta S, Simonato C, Faccio E. The Effectiveness of Psychoeducational Support Groups for Women With Breast Cancer and Their Caregivers: A Mixed Methods Study. Front Psychol 2019; 10:288. [PMID: 30833920 PMCID: PMC6387958 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.00288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2018] [Accepted: 01/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Previous studies on the effectiveness of psychological interventions in oncology mainly used quantitative measures and no study was conducted with regard to both caregivers and patients. Aim: This study evaluates the effectiveness of psychoeducational support groups, both for women with breast cancer, and for their informal caregivers through the use of quantitative and qualitative measures. Methods: A longitudinal design was used comparing two psychoeducational support groups with other two groups in a standard care control condition. Participants were 28 women with a diagnosis of breast cancer in the care of a hospital in Northern Italy, and 21 family caregivers. The quantitative data were collected by Cognitive Behavioral Assessment for Outcome Evaluation (CBA-OE) and the qualitative data through the use of semi-structured interviews. Results: The statistical analysis showed a significant change attributable to the psychological intervention that proves the effectiveness of such an intervention in the patients’ and caregivers’ group. The qualitative analysis allowed us to interpret the behavioral and psychological profile emerging from CBA-OE, by considering the subjective experience of the treatment groups. The group experience offered affective, relational and informative support, and allowed participants to create a network and to feel understood and reassured. Conclusion: The results suggest the usefulness of psychoeducational support groups for women with breast cancer and for their caregivers. The value of this kind of intervention is not only at an individual level but also at a systems level, and family involvement ensures the best positive outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Camilla Simonato
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Elena Faccio
- Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Education and Applied Psychology, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Blaschke SM, Lambert SD, Livingston PM, Aranda S, Boltong A, Schofield P, Chambers SK, Krishnasamy M, Ugalde A. Identifying priorities for cancer caregiver interventions: protocol for a three-round modified Delphi study. BMJ Open 2019; 9:e024725. [PMID: 30765405 PMCID: PMC6398770 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-024725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cancer is often considered a chronic disease, and most people with cancer have a caregiver, often a family member or friend who provides a significant amount of care during the illness trajectory. Caregivers are frequently in need of support, and a range of interventions have been trialled to improve outcomes. Consensus for optimal ways to support caregivers is not known. The aim of this protocol paper is to describe procedures for a modified Delphi study to explore expert consensus about important factors when developing caregiver interventions. METHODS AND ANALYSIS Online modified Delphi methodology will be used to establish consensus for important caregiver intervention factors incorporating the Patient problem, Intervention, Comparison and Outcome framework. Round 1 will comprise a free-text questionnaire and invite the panel to contribute factors they deem important in the development and evaluation of caregiver interventions. Round 2 is designed to determine preliminary consensus of the importance of factors generated in round 1. The panel will be asked to rate each factor using a 4-point Likert-type scale. The option for panellists to state reasoning for their rating will be provided. Descriptive statistics (median scores and IQR) will be calculated to determine each item's relative importance. Levels of consensus will be assessed based on a predefined consensus rating matrix. In round 3, factors will be recirculated including aggregate group responses (statistics and comment summaries) and panellists' own round 2 scores. Panellists will be invited to reconsider their judgements and resubmit ratings using the same rating system as in round 2. This will result in priority lists based on the panel's total rating scores. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Ethics for this study has been gained from the Deakin University Human Ethics Advisory Group. It is anticipated that the results will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented in a variety of forums.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah-May Blaschke
- Department of Cancer Experiences Research, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sylvie D Lambert
- Ingram School of Nursing, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Patricia M Livingston
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sanchia Aranda
- Cancer Council Australia, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Anna Boltong
- Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Penelope Schofield
- Department of Psychology, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, Victoria, Australia
| | - Suzanne K Chambers
- Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Meinir Krishnasamy
- Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Centre for Cancer Research, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Anna Ugalde
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Chow PI, Showalter SL, Gerber MS, Kennedy E, Brenin DR, Schroen AT, Mohr DC, Lattie EG, Cohn WF. Use of Mental Health Apps by Breast Cancer Patients and Their Caregivers in the United States: Protocol for a Pilot Pre-Post Study. JMIR Res Protoc 2019; 8:e11452. [PMID: 31344674 PMCID: PMC6682292 DOI: 10.2196/11452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2018] [Revised: 10/05/2018] [Accepted: 10/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Over one-third of cancer patients experience clinically significant mental distress, and distress in caregivers can exceed that of the cancer patients for whom they care. There is an urgent need to identify scalable and cost-efficient ways of delivering mental health interventions to cancer patients and their loved ones. Objective The aim of this study is to describe the protocol to pilot a mobile app–based mental health intervention in breast cancer patients and caregivers. Methods The IntelliCare mental health apps are grounded in evidence-based research in psychology. They have not been examined in cancer populations. This pilot study will adopt a within-subject, pre-post study design to inform a potential phase III randomized controlled trial. A target sample of 50 individuals (with roughly equal numbers of patients and caregivers) at least 18 years of age and fluent in English will be recruited at a US National Cancer Institute designated clinical cancer center. Consent will be obtained in writing and a mobile phone will be provided if needed. Self-report surveys assessing mental health outcomes will be administered at a baseline session and after a 7-week intervention. Before using the apps, participants will receive a 30-min coaching call to explain their purpose and function. A 10-min coaching call 3 weeks later will check on user progress and address questions or barriers to use. Self-report and semistructured interviews with participants at the end of the study period will focus on user experience and suggestions for improving the apps and coaching in future studies. Results This study is ongoing, and recruitment will be completed by the end of 2018. Conclusions Results from this study will inform how scalable mobile phone-delivered programs can be used to support breast cancer patients and their loved ones. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03488745; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03488745 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/11452
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Philip I Chow
- Center for Behavioral Health and Technology, Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Shayna L Showalter
- Department of Surgery, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Matthew S Gerber
- Department of Systems Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Erin Kennedy
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - David R Brenin
- Department of Surgery, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Anneke T Schroen
- Department of Surgery, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - David C Mohr
- Center for Behavioral Intervention Technologies, Department of Medical Social Sciences and Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Emily G Lattie
- Center for Behavioral Intervention Technologies, Department of Medical Social Sciences and Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Wendy F Cohn
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Kent EE, Dionne-Odom JN. Population-Based Profile of Mental Health and Support Service Need Among Family Caregivers of Adults With Cancer. J Oncol Pract 2018; 15:e122-e131. [PMID: 30496020 DOI: 10.1200/jop.18.00522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE We examined associations between caregiving intensity and mental health among cancer caregivers at the population level and potential moderation by an actionable intervention target, support service needs. METHODS Behavioral Risk Factors Surveillance System survey data (2015) from caregivers of adult patients with cancer was analyzed. Caregiving intensity included hours per week caregiving (high, > 20; low, ≤ 20) and caregiving duration (long, > 2 years; short, ≤ 2 years). Mental health was reported as number of mentally unhealthy days (MUDs) in the past 30. Support service needs comprised caregiving classes, service access, support groups, counseling, and respite care. Multivariable linear regression models were performed adjusting for sociodemographics and sampling weights. RESULTS A total of 1,831 caregivers were included in the study, representing approximately 1.1 million cancer caregivers in the 18 US states, distributed with the following intensity: 122 (8.3%) caregivers reported care at high hours/long duration, 213 (13.1%) high hours/short duration, 329 (18.4%) low hours/long duration, and 910 (60.2%) low hours/short duration. Mean MUDs was 6 (SE, 0.5). The highest reported unmet service need was help with service access (48.4%). Higher caregiving intensity and support service need were associated with more MUDs ( P < .05), with a significant interaction ( P = .02) between caregiving intensity and unmet support service needs. High hour/long duration caregivers reporting any unmet needs had a mean of 15 versus 8 MUDs for those with no unmet needs. CONCLUSION High-intensity cancer caregiving was associated with poor mental health, especially for those reporting support service needs. Developing strategies to optimize support service provision for high-intensity cancer caregivers is warranted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Erin E Kent
- 1 National Cancer Institute, Rockland, MD.,2 ICF, Fairfax, VA
| | | |
Collapse
|
44
|
Shaffer KM, Garland SN, Mao JJ, Applebaum AJ. Insomnia among Cancer Caregivers: A Proposal for Tailored Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. JOURNAL OF PSYCHOTHERAPY INTEGRATION 2018; 28:275-291. [PMID: 30245560 PMCID: PMC6147560 DOI: 10.1037/int0000105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Caregivers are relatives, friends, or partners who have a significant relationship with and provide assistance (i.e., physical, emotional) to a patient with often life-threatening, serious illnesses. Between 40 and 76 percent of caregivers for people with cancer experience sleep disturbance. This is thought to be due, in part, to the unique responsibilities, stressors, and compensatory behaviors endemic to caregiving that serve as precipitating and perpetuating factors of insomnia. Sleep disturbances are associated with significant alterations in one's mental and physical health. Once chronic, insomnia does not remit naturally. Cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is well-suited to address the multifaceted contributing factors unique to caregivers' sleep disturbance, yet only one intervention has tested a CBT-I informed intervention among cancer caregivers. Toward the goal of developing effective, tailored treatments for insomnia in caregivers, we address the distinct presentation of insomnia among cancer caregivers and describe key modifications to standard CBT-I that address these specific needs and enhance sensitivity and feasibility, modeled in a demonstrative case vignette. Future research must seek to provide a wide range of effective treatment options for this population, including internet-based, dyadic, and alternative integrative medicine treatments. Applicability of key modifications for caregivers of patients with other chronic illnesses is discussed. Establishing empirically-supported interventions for insomnia among cancer caregivers has the potential to enhance their quality of life and care provided, lead to improved bereavement outcomes, and attenuate the notable mental and physical health disparities present in this vulnerable population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kelly M Shaffer
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
| | - Sheila N Garland
- Memorial University, Departments of Psychology and Oncology, St. John's, NL, Canada
| | - Jun J Mao
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Department of Medicine
| | - Allison J Applebaum
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Caregiver Sleep and Patient Neutrophil Engraftment in Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant: A Secondary Analysis. Cancer Nurs 2018; 41:77-85. [PMID: 27922914 DOI: 10.1097/ncc.0000000000000447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Caregiving for allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (Allo-HSCT) patients can be significantly burdensome. Caregiver well-being often mirrors patients' suffering. However, to our knowledge, this dyadic relationship has not been linked to patient outcome. OBJECTIVE Caregiver's objective and subjective sleep and overall distress before transplantation were hypothesized to be related to patient's time to engraftment in secondary analyses. METHODS Dyads (N = 124) were Allo-HSCT patients (mean [SD] age, 49.2 [12.7] years) and their caregivers (mean [SD] age, 52.7 [12.3] years). Caregiver's subjective sleep quality was measured via the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, objective sleep was measured by actigraphy, and distress was measured by combining validated psychological measures. RESULTS Both caregiver reports of worse sleep (β = .22; P < .05) and objective measurement of caregiver sleep patterns (higher sleep efficiency; less time awake after sleep onset) collected before engraftment significantly predicted shorter time to patient engraftment (β values = -.34 and .29, respectively; P values < .05). Caregiver distress was unrelated to engraftment (β = .14; P = .22). CONCLUSIONS Despite limitations in available patient data, these findings appear to link caregiver well-being to patient outcome. This underscores the interrelatedness of the patient-caregiver dyad in Allo-HSCT. Future research should examine psychological and biomedical mediators. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Given that caregiver well-being during the peritransplantation period was associated with patient outcome in this study, such findings highlight the need to address caregiver and patient well-being during Allo-HSCT. There may be potential to improve patient outcome by focusing on the caregiver, which nursing staff is well positioned to monitor.
Collapse
|
46
|
Baumstarck K, Chinot O, Tabouret E, Farina P, Barrié M, Campello C, Petrirena G, Hamidou Z, Auquier P. Coping strategies and quality of life: a longitudinal study of high-grade glioma patient-caregiver dyads. Health Qual Life Outcomes 2018; 16:157. [PMID: 30068395 PMCID: PMC6090679 DOI: 10.1186/s12955-018-0983-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2018] [Accepted: 07/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Among a sample of patient-informal caregiver dyads in the specific context of new diagnoses of high-grade glioma in the time-frame between diagnosis and the third month following diagnosis, we examine whether the coping strategies implemented by the patients and their caregivers influenced their own quality of life (QoL) and the QoL of their relatives. Methods Thirty-eight dyads with patients having recent diagnoses of high-grade glioma were involved in this longitudinal study. The self-reported data include QoL (Patient-Generated Index, EORTC QLQ-C30, and CareGiver Oncology Quality of Life), and coping strategies (BriefCope). Data were collected at T1 corresponding to the time-frame between diagnosis and postsurgical treatment initiation and T2 corresponding to the 3-month post-inclusion follow-up. Results Coping strategies based on social support and avoidance were the least used at baseline and the 3-month follow-up, both for patients and caregivers. At the 3-month follow-up, the use of social support at baseline was significantly related to lower scores of QoL for the patients and with higher QoL for the caregivers. For the patient, the use of problem-solving or positive thinking at baseline was not related to his/her QoL, while it was related to more satisfactory QoL scores for the caregiver. The use of avoidance at baseline was linked to a higher 3-month QoL for the patients and a lower 3-month QoL for the caregivers. Using the specific dyadic analyses (actor–partner interdependence model), the 3-month patient’s QoL was lower (β = − 0.322; p = 0.03) when the patient mobilized the social support strategy at baseline, but was higher(β = 0.631; p < 10− 3) when his/her informal caregiver used this strategy. After adjustment for sex, age, and baseline PGI score, the link between high use of the social support strategy at baseline by the caregiver and the patient’s 3-month QoL, remained present (positive partner effect; β =0.675; p < 10− 3). Conclusion The QoL for patients and their informal caregivers since the time of diagnosis is directly related to the use of coping strategies based on social support at time of diagnosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karine Baumstarck
- EA 3279 CEReSS - Health Service Research and Quality of Life Center, Aix Marseille Université, School of medicine - La Timone Medical Campus, 27 bd Jean Moulin, F-13385, Marseille, cedex 05, France. .,National Clinical research Quality of Life in Oncology Platform, Marseille, France.
| | - Olivier Chinot
- Department of Neuro-Oncology, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Marseille, Timone Hospital, 13005, Marseille, France
| | - Emeline Tabouret
- Department of Neuro-Oncology, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Marseille, Timone Hospital, 13005, Marseille, France
| | - Patrizia Farina
- Department of Neuro-Oncology, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Marseille, Timone Hospital, 13005, Marseille, France
| | - Marilyne Barrié
- Department of Neuro-Oncology, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Marseille, Timone Hospital, 13005, Marseille, France
| | - Chantal Campello
- Department of Neuro-Oncology, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Marseille, Timone Hospital, 13005, Marseille, France
| | - Gregorio Petrirena
- Department of Neuro-Oncology, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Marseille, Timone Hospital, 13005, Marseille, France
| | - Zeinab Hamidou
- EA 3279 CEReSS - Health Service Research and Quality of Life Center, Aix Marseille Université, School of medicine - La Timone Medical Campus, 27 bd Jean Moulin, F-13385, Marseille, cedex 05, France.,National Clinical research Quality of Life in Oncology Platform, Marseille, France
| | - Pascal Auquier
- EA 3279 CEReSS - Health Service Research and Quality of Life Center, Aix Marseille Université, School of medicine - La Timone Medical Campus, 27 bd Jean Moulin, F-13385, Marseille, cedex 05, France.,National Clinical research Quality of Life in Oncology Platform, Marseille, France
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Distress is Interdependent in Patients and Caregivers with Newly Diagnosed Incurable Cancers. Ann Behav Med 2018; 51:519-531. [PMID: 28097515 DOI: 10.1007/s12160-017-9875-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Individuals with advanced, incurable cancer often experience high physical and psychological symptom burden. Family and friend caregivers are at risk for emotional distress. PURPOSE The aim of the study is to investigate the interrelationship of distress in patient-caregiver dyads at the time of newly diagnosed incurable cancer. METHODS From May 2011 to July 2015, within 8 weeks of diagnosis of advanced lung or noncolorectal gastrointestinal cancer, 350 patients and 275 family caregivers were enrolled in a randomized controlled trial of early palliative care. Actor-partner interdependence modeling was used to examine relationships between dyad's self-reported anxiety and depressive symptoms on the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale at baseline. RESULTS Comparing patients with caregivers, patients reported more depressive symptoms (M diff = .84; t[274] = 3.17, p = .002, d = .22) and caregivers reported more anxiety symptoms (M diff =1.62, t[274] = 4.91, p < .001, d = .39). Dyads' anxiety symptoms were positively associated, as were depressive symptoms (rs = .21, ps ≤ .001). Actor-partner interdependence modeling showed that patients' anxiety symptoms were positively associated with their own depressive symptoms, with an equal effect for caregivers (actor effect βs = 0.52, ps < .001). Patients' own anxiety was concurrently positively associated with their caregivers' depressive symptoms, with an equal effect for caregivers to patients (partner effect βs=0.08, ps=.008). CONCLUSIONS In the context of newly diagnosed incurable cancer, caregivers experience more pronounced anxiety, while patients report greater depressive symptoms. Findings indicate that anxiety and depressive symptoms are interrelated among dyads facing newly diagnosed incurable disease. Results emphasize the importance of addressing distress in both patients and caregivers. Future research should discern when dyadic versus individual psychosocial interventions would be optimal. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER The trial was registered with the ClinicalTrials.gov database (NCT02349412) https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02349412 .
Collapse
|
48
|
Heckel L, Fennell KM, Orellana L, Boltong A, Byrnes M, Livingston PM. A telephone outcall program to support caregivers of people diagnosed with cancer: utility, changes in levels of distress, and unmet needs. Support Care Cancer 2018; 26:3789-3799. [PMID: 29766259 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-018-4246-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2018] [Accepted: 05/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the utility of a telephone outcall program for cancer caregivers and to examine longitudinal changes in their distress levels and supportive care needs. METHODS As part of the PROTECT trial, caregivers assigned to the intervention arm (N = 108) received three telephone outcalls from a Cancer Council 13 11 20 nurse at three time points (7-10 days post-randomization, 1 and 4 months later). During each call, caregivers were screened for distress using the Distress Thermometer (range: 0-10) then six supportive care issues were raised for discussion. Participants completed a utility survey 1 month post-intervention. RESULTS The outcall program was highly acceptable and perceived as beneficial by caregivers. Overall, 95% reported it was worth their time to take part in the outcall program and 82% stated that the program was very relevant to them. Level of distress and impact of distress decreased over time (p = 0.0031, p < 0.0001, respectively). Average call duration decreased over time (p < 0.0001) and was longer for female than male caregivers (p = 0.0009). The frequency of caregivers discussing issues related to psychological distress (p = 0.0003), health literacy (p < 0.0001), financial (p = 0.0014), and practical concerns (p = 0.0121) decreased over time. Psychological distress was more often discussed by female than male caregivers (p = 0.0153), and family issues more often by younger (< 55 years) than older caregivers (p = 0.0071). CONCLUSIONS Utility of this outcall program was high. Caregivers' level of distress and unmet needs decreased over time. Gender and age differences emerged, which warrants the need for tailored support. Further research is necessary to identify the best method of improving access to 13 11 20 services for caregivers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leila Heckel
- Faculty of Health, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, 3220, Australia.
| | - Kate M Fennell
- Cancer Council SA, 202 Greenhill Road, Eastwood, South Australia, 5063, Australia.,Flinders Centre for Innovation in Cancer, School of Medicine, Flinders University, Sturt Road, Bedford Park, South Australia, 5042, Australia.,Sansom Institute for Health Research, University of South Australia, City East Campus, North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000, Australia
| | - Liliana Orellana
- Faculty of Health, Biostatistics Unit, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, 3220, Australia
| | - Anna Boltong
- Cancer Council Victoria, 615 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia.,Melbourne School of Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Grattan Street, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Monica Byrnes
- Cancer Council SA, 202 Greenhill Road, Eastwood, South Australia, 5063, Australia
| | | |
Collapse
|
49
|
Lee Y, Lin PY, Chien CY, Fang FM, Wang LJ. A comparison of psychological well-being and quality of life between spouse and non-spouse caregivers in patients with head and neck cancer: a 6-month follow-up study. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2018; 14:1697-1704. [PMID: 29988736 PMCID: PMC6029606 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s162116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The caregivers of patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) may suffer from impaired psychological well-being and a decreased quality of life (QOL) related to the chronic burden of caring for patients' physical conditions and their mood changes. In this study, we aimed to compare the psychological well-being and QOL between spouse caregivers and non-spouse caregivers of patients with HNC over a 6-month follow-up period. PATIENTS AND METHODS This study was conducted using a prospective design with consecutive sampling. We recruited study subjects from the outpatient combined treatment clinic of HNC at a medical center in Southern Taiwan. The Structured Clinical Interview for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition was carried out by a trained senior psychiatrist to diagnose caregivers. Furthermore, one research assistant collected the caregivers' demographic characteristics, clinical data, and clinical rating scales, including the Short Form 36 (SF-36) Health Survey, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and Family Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity, and Respiration index at the patients' pretreatment, as well as their 3- and 6-month follow-up appointments. RESULTS Of the 143 subjects that successfully completed the study, two-thirds of caregivers were spouses. During the 6-month follow-up period, spouse caregivers demonstrated significantly higher rates of depression diagnosis (p=0.032), higher scores in the depression subscale of HADS (HADS-D) (p=0.010), and lower SF-36 mental component summary (MCS) scores (p=0.007) than non-spouse caregivers. Furthermore, during those 6 months, HADS-D (p=0.007) and the anxiety subscale of HADS scores (p<0.001) significantly decreased, while SF-36 MCS scores significantly increased (p=0.015). CONCLUSION The mental health of spouse caregivers of HNC patients was more severely affected than that of non-spouse caregivers during the observed 6-month follow-up period. Therefore, clinicians need to pay more attention to caregivers' psychological distress during patient care, especially for spouse caregivers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Pao-Yen Lin
- Department of Psychiatry, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Institute for Translational Research in Biomedical Sciences, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Yen Chien
- Department of Otolaryngology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Fu-Min Fang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Liang-Jen Wang
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan,
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Dionne-Odom JN, Applebaum AJ, Ornstein KA, Azuero A, Warren PP, Taylor RA, Rocque GB, Kvale EA, Demark-Wahnefried W, Pisu M, Partridge EE, Martin MY, Bakitas MA. Participation and interest in support services among family caregivers of older adults with cancer. Psychooncology 2017; 27:969-976. [PMID: 29226997 DOI: 10.1002/pon.4603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2017] [Revised: 10/31/2017] [Accepted: 11/30/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to describe distressed and underprepared family caregiver's use of and interest in formal support services (eg, professional counseling, education, organizational assistance). METHOD Cross-sectional mail survey conducted in communities of 8 cancer centers in Tennessee, Alabama, and Florida (response rate: 42%). Family caregivers of Medicare beneficiaries with pancreatic, lung, brain, ovarian, head and neck, hematologic, and stage IV cancers reported support service use and completed validated measures of depression, anxiety, burden, preparedness, and health. RESULTS Caregivers (n = 294) were on average age 65 years and mostly female (73%), White (91%), and care recipients' spouse/partner (60%); patients averaged 75 years were majority male (54%) with lung cancer (39%). Thirty-two percent of caregivers reported accessing services while 28% were "mostly" or "extremely" interested. Thirty-five percent of caregivers with high depressive symptoms (n = 122), 33% with high anxiety symptoms (n = 100), and 25% of those in the lowest quartile of preparedness (n = 77) accessed services. Thirty-eight percent of those with high depressive symptoms, 47% with high anxiety symptoms, and 36% in the lowest quartile of preparedness were "mostly" or "extremely" interested in receiving services. Being interested in support services was significantly associated with being a minority, shorter durations of caregiving, and with higher stress burden. CONCLUSIONS A large proportion of family caregivers, including those experiencing depression and anxiety symptoms and who were underprepared, are not using formal support services but have a strong interest in services. Strategies to increase service use may include targeting distressed caregivers early in their caregiving experience.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Andres Azuero
- School of Nursing, University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), Birmingham, AL, USA
| | | | - Richard A Taylor
- School of Nursing, University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Gabrielle B Rocque
- UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center, Birmingham, AL, USA.,Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Kvale
- Department of Medicine, Division of Geriatrics, Gerontology, and Palliative Care, UAB Center for Palliative and Supportive Care, Birmingham, AL, USA.,Birmingham Veterans Administration Medical Center, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | | | - Maria Pisu
- Department of Preventive Medicine, UAB, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | | | - Michelle Y Martin
- Department of Preventive Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Marie A Bakitas
- School of Nursing, University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), Birmingham, AL, USA.,Department of Medicine, Division of Geriatrics, Gerontology, and Palliative Care, UAB Center for Palliative and Supportive Care, Birmingham, AL, USA
| |
Collapse
|