Abstract A092: Cancer caregiver burden and mental health outcomes: Differences by race/ethnicity

Abstract

Abstract Background: Informal caregivers (CGs) play a critical role in caring for cancer patients at end of life, often to the detriment of their own health outcomes. However, much of the literature focuses on white CGs, with little specifically addressing the experiences and health outcomes of African American cancer CGs. Purpose: To compare the outcomes of perceived burden, depression, and distress between white and African American cancer CGs with a focus on the role of social support and CG preparedness to provide care. Methods: Informal caregivers providing end-of-life care to cancer patients were recruited from an academic cancer center. CGs were administered the following scales: CES-D, Zarit Burden, Distress Thermometer, Preparedness for Caregiving, and demographics. One item each assessed health status and social support from church/religious groups. Results: Caregivers (n=90) were mostly female (77%), married/partnered (61%), and reported a median annual household income of $45,500. African American CGs (n=44; 49%) reported significantly lower distress [2(88); p=0.04], depression [2(86); p=0.04], caregiver burden [3.8(76); p=0003], and greater social support [2(88); p=0.02] from church/religious groups compared to white CGs. No univariate differences in perceived preparedness to provide care, health status, or spirituality were found. Multiple regression models for depression [R2=0.4, F(8,77)=6.8; p<.0001], distress [R2=0.17, F(8, 78)=3.2; p=.003], and CG burden [R2=.50, F(8, 78)=11.3; p<.0001], were significant. CGs who were African American reported greater preparation and better health and had lower depression and distress. Lower CG burden was associated with CGs who were African American, older age, and reported greater CG preparation. Conclusions: African American CGs reported lower CG burden and better mental health outcomes compared to white CGs. Some key intervention targets such as perceived CG preparation to provide care have important associations with health outcomes for all CGs. However, there are likely other components such as social support from church/religious groups that vary in level of importance depending on the unique sociocultural perspectives of racial/ethnicity groups. Interventions are needed that support cancer caregivers and protect their own health outcomes. Developers should consider the diversity of experiences and meanings attributed to cancer caregiving when choosing intervention targets. Citation Format: Maria D. Thomson, Abigail Cadua, Robin Matsuyama, Laura A. Siminoff. Cancer caregiver burden and mental health outcomes: Differences by race/ethnicity [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Eleventh AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2018 Nov 2-5; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2020;29(6 Suppl):Abstract nr A092.