Profile of cancer caregivers among adult Indian rural cancer patients: A prospective survey.

Abstract

e18019 Background: There is lack of information regarding Cancer Caregivers who play predominant role in assisting patients during active treatment and follow –up in India. Aim: To identify profile of cancer caregivers Objectives: To identify, social, economic, familial variables of cancer caregivers of adult cancer patients by prospective survey/questionnaire. Methods: All consecutive individual adult (age≥18 years) patients diagnosed with cancer and registered in Medical Oncology OPD were enrolled for Cancer caregiver questionnaire based survey between July 2018 and October 2018.Primary caregiver was defined as person of first degree relative who has greatest responsibility of daily patient care. Patient was asked to name single preferred primary caregiver in case of multiple first degree relatives available. Results: Of 517 patients enrolled, 456 (88%) were rural.491 (95%) had primary caregivers, while 26(5%) had secondary caregivers only. 295(57%) had 3-4 caregivers, while 117 (23%) had 5-7 caregivers in predominantly joint family population (75%). Among primary caregivers, son 287 (58%) was the preferred choice, followed by brothers, 50 (10%). Only 61 (12%), chose female as primary caregivers. Only 36/281 (13%) married men and 71/215 (33%) married women chose their spouse as primary caregiver. 326 (63%) of primary caregivers had monthly income equivalent to $70-140, while 16% and 9% had between $140-280 and less than $70 respectively.131 (25%) of caregivers were graduate,186 (35%) passed secondary school, while only 25 (4.8%) were illiterate. Conclusions: Majority of rural Indian cancer patients have access to multiple caregivers. Young males are the preferred choice as primary caregiver. Primary caregivers are economically poor but literate.