Family Caregivers and Caregiving Buren of Cancer Patients Khartoum State 2020

Abstract

Introduction: Advances in cancer diagnosis and treatment have resulted in an increase in the prevalence and a longer life expectancy. A cancer patient's family caregiver is one of the most important components of the patient's wellbeing. Consequently, family members have been identified as co-sufferers in the fight against malignant disorders. Materials and Methods: Observational cross-sectional study conducted at specialized oncology public outpatients’ clinics in Khartoum State, aimed at assessing caregiving burden among the primary family caregivers of cancer patients. To collect important data about both cancer patients and family caregivers, validated and structured questionnaires and a checklist were used. A systematic random sample was used to enrol 143 caregivers for cancer patients. Results: Cancer patients were frequently females (56.6%), with 32.2 percent being between the ages of 51 and 65. Breast cancer and leukaemia were the most common kinds of cancer among individuals, accounting for 11.9 percent each. In terms of family caregivers, 54.5 percent were females with an average age of (37.7) years. Approximately half of them were cancer patients' offspring. The majority of family caregivers were married and had received secondary and/or basic education. Mean cumulative caregiver reaction assessment score was 39.8 out of 60, which revealed considered degree of sensible caregiving burden. Having more children and lower educational level were related positively to estimated caregiving burden. Conclusion: Findings point to high proportions of raised level of caregiving burden. Some family caregivers’ characteristics have a role as determining factors in generating family caregiver burden.