Factors effecting quality of life for family caregivers of cancer patients in Kenya

Abstract

Background: Characteristics, including age, educational level, economics, and geographical setting during care provision significantly affect quality of life (QoL) among cancer patient caregivers in high-income countries. Investigation in middle/low income countries is limited. Objective: To explore the factors associated with QoL among family caregivers (FCG’s) of cancer patients in Kenya. Methodology: This was a correlational study conducted at the largest teaching and referral hospital in Kenya. The study enrolled 164 family caregivers of cancer patients. The QoL (Family Version) was used to measure Quality of Life. Data collection was done using interviewer-administered questionnaires. A student t-test and Pearson chi-square were used to determine the association between personal, social, and disease characteristics and family caregiver quality of life. Results: The average mean score of family caregiver QoL was 55.8 (SD±10.12) percent, which is lower than in other countries. Conclusion: There was a significant association between family caregiver quality of life (QoL) and level of education, relationship to the patient, caregivers’ ability to carry out normal activities, and caregiver knowledge of the stage of cancer. Keywords: family caregiver, quality of life, cancer, Kenya