P5-17-01: Evaluation of Psychosocial Distress in Main Care-Givers of Patients with Metastatic Breast Cancer Who Receive Treatment in a Community Based Oncology Group Practice.

Abstract

Abstract Introduction: It is well-known that people who care for patients with a metastatic carcinoma are exposed to an above-average level of psychosocial distress. No data are available concerning the distress of main care-givers of female patients with metastatic breast cancer, who are treated in a community based oncology group practice. Methods: Standardized cross-sectional survey of main care-givers and patients with metastatic breast cancer who were treated in a community based oncology group practice in Germany between 04/2010-03/2011. Psychosocial distress of the patients and their main care-givers were evaluated using the German versions of the Distress Thermometer (DT) and the Problem List (PL). In addition anxiety and depression of the main care-givers were assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS-D). Results: 83 female patients with a median age of 65 (41-93) were interviewed. 6% did not have a main care-giver, 7% indicated that they needed no support, 48% reported one main care-giver and 39% several. Partners (60%), children (47%), siblings (11%) and friends (10%) were the most important care-givers. 47% of patients preferred visiting the practice in companion with their care-givers. The patients’ median score on the DT was 5 (0-10), with 34% scoring above cut-off (> 5) for psychosocial distress. 52 main care-givers (61% male, 39% female) with a median age of 57.5 (41-86) were interviewed. The relationships to the patients were as follows: partners 62%, children 27%, mothers, siblings and friends each with 4%. The main care-givers themselves were supported by partners (54%), children (21%) friends (17%) and siblings (8%), 23% did not receive any support. The median score on the DT was 5 (0-10), with 44% scoring above cut-off (> 5) for psychosocial distress. According to the HADS-D 37% (cut-off ≥ 8) of the care-givers reported anxiety, with a mean score of 6.6 (0-14). 15% could be regarded as depressed (cut-off ≥ 8), with a mean score of 4.1 (0-15). Conclusions: The main care-givers are distressed even more than the patients themselves. 37% of care-givers reported anxiety; depression can be observed too, but less frequently in 15%. Both issues should be addressed by healthcare professionals. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2011;71(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P5-17-01.