Factors Impacting Quality of Life of Caregivers of Cancer Patients in the Sub-Himalayan Region: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Abstract

Background Caregivers of cancer patients experience excessive emotional and financial stress. Objective To determine the quality of life (QOL) of caregivers of cancer patients and factors affecting it in caregivers attending the OPD of a governmental tertiary care cancer center in the sub-Himalayan region. Methods A cross-sectional observational study was used. A pre-validated caregiver quality of life (CQOL) questionnaire was completed by consenting caregivers of 96 outpatient attendees. Results The mean total QOL scores were higher in attendants of subjects who did not undergo surgery versus those who underwent surgery (p-value: 0.04) and in those who received 0-5 versus >5 chemotherapy cycles (p-value: 0.015). On subdomain analyses, the burden was significantly greater in caregivers of patients who did not undergo surgery (p-value: 0.02) and had a higher Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) scale (p-value: 0.03). Disruptiveness was significantly higher in married individuals (p-value: 0.01) and those aged between 36 and 60 years (p-value: 0.003). Positive adaptation was worse in caregivers with another family member suffering from chronic illness (p-value: 0.041) and in professional and skilled workers (p-value: 0.03). The greater financial burden was experienced by caregivers belonging to lower socioeconomic status (p-value: 0.03). On putting these factors in the regression model, the non-specific domain of 0-5 cycles had poor CQOL, i.e., higher scores. The burden score was more in ECOG stages 3 and 4 in comparison with stages 1 and 2. Married individuals had significant disruption. Individuals aged between 36 and 60 years perceived more disruption in their lives. A more financial impact was observed on the lower middle and lower class compared to the upper and upper middle class. Conclusion Caregivers of cancer patients experience significant stress and burden. Counseling and social and financial support to caregivers may help improve CQOL.