Caregiver Quality Of Life Index-Cancer Research Articles

A Prospective Study to Compare Caregivers' Knowledge and Perception of Cancer Pain with Patients' Pain Assessment and to Evaluate their Quality of Life.

Family caregivers (FCGs) play a crucial role in the home care of terminally ill patients. Therefore, evaluating their comprehension of patients' symptoms and doctors' advice becomes crucial. Moreover, this might negatively impact their quality of life (QOL). Thus, the purpose of the study was to examine FCGs' perception and understanding of cancer pain in relation to patients' pain assessments, as well as the effect this has on their own QOL. The family pain questionnaire (FPQ) and patient pain questionnaire (PPQ) were used for both patient as well as their FCGs. The scores for each subscale, knowledge, and experience were calculated. Furthermore, FCGs' own QOL was assessed using the caregiver quality of life index-cancer (CQOLC) questionnaire. Results were statistically analysed. The FCGs of 93 individuals were examined. The Cronbach alphas for the current dataset showed that the FPQ (0.754) and PPQ (0.759) overall reliability scales were satisfactory. The knowledge, experience, and total average scores for the PPQ (FPQ) subscales were reported as 35.91 (35.31), 27.19 (26.86), and 63.10 (62.17), respectively. The knowledge, experience, and overall scales of the PPQ (FPQ) were evaluated to provide median scores of 37 (36), 28 (25), and 65 (62) correspondingly. A t-test was used to determine the significance of the observed average differences (d) for knowledge (0.602), experience (0.333), and overall (0.935). The results showed that there were no significant differences (P > 0.05). An inverse relationship was elicited between the total QOL and the pain assessment scores of FCGs, as well as the age of the patient. The difference was, however, majorly statistically non-significant (P > 0.5). Further, statistical significance was found only between the burden component of the CQOLC and the age of the patients (P = 0.034), as well as total pain knowledge (P = 0.007) and total pain scores (P = 0.001) of the FCGs'. As per our analysis, FCGs had less knowledge and experience of patients' pain, though statistically , it was not significant. The age of the patient, as well as total pain knowledge and total pain scores of the FCGs' were found to affect the QOL of FCGs'. Studies with large sample sizes might help in strengthening the findings.

Peer support-based online education, burden of care and quality of life among family caregivers of patients with leukaemia: non-randomised clinical trial

ObjectiveThe responsibility of caring for patients with leukaemia places a heavy burden on family caregivers (FCs) and negatively impacts their quality of life (QoL). This study aimed to investigate the...

Level of caregiving burden and affecting factors in family caregivers of patients with lung cancer: A cross-sectional study.

To determine the caregiving burden level and affecting factors of family members caring for patients with lung cancer (LC). This study used a cross-sectional design and a convenience sampling method. The study was conducted between April 2023 and August 2023 with the LC patients (n = 448) and their caregivers (n = 448) who met the inclusion criteria and were followed up in seven clinics of a specialized hospital for pulmonary diseases in Turkey. Data were collected by using (1) a demographic questionnaire (for patient and caregiver), (2) the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI), (3) the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and (4) the Caregiver Quality of Life Index-Cancer (CQoLC). The study included 448 caregivers, with a mean age of 45.09 ± 13.48years, and 71.4% were female. The mean ZBI score of 31.45 ± 16.71 indicated mild to moderate burden. Pearson correlation analysis showed that caregivers' depression levels increased and quality of life decreased significantly as the care burden increased. Multiple regression analysis indicated a significant relationship between the caregiver burden and the patient's age (p < 0.05), caregiver's chronic disease (p < 0.05), type of treatment given to the patient (p < 0.05), patient's metastasis status (p < 0.05) and caregiver's quality of life (p < 0.01). The fact that most of the risk factors identified in this study are non-modifiable highlights the necessity of identifying caregiver burden early by nurses and initiating the appropriate support processes.

Evaluating the caregiver experience during neoadjuvant therapy for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

Neoadjuvant therapy (NT) is increasingly recommended for patients with localized pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Recent research has highlighted the significant treatment burden that patients experience during NT, but caregiver well-being during NT is poorly understood. A cross-sectional mixed-methods analysis of primary caregivers of patients with localized PDAC receiving NT was undertaken. All patients completed the Caregiver Quality of Life Index-Cancer (CQOLC) survey, while semi-structured interviews were conducted among a convenience sample of participants. Among 28 caregivers, the mean age was 60.1 years, and most were patient spouses/significant others (71.4%). Patients had resectable (18%), borderline resectable (46%), or locally advanced (36%) PDAC with a mean treatment duration of 2.9 months at the time of their caregiver's enrollment. Most caregivers felt that they received adequate emotional/psychosocial support (80%) and understood the rationale for NT (93%). A majority (60%) reported that caregiving responsibilities impacted their daily lives and required a decrease in their work hours, leading to financial challenges (47%). While overall QOL was moderate (mean 83 ± 21.1, range 0-140), "emotional burden" (47.3 ± 20.9), and "positive adaption" (57.3 ± 13.9) were the lowest ranked CQOLC subsection scores. Caregivers of patients with PDAC undergoing NT experience significant emotional symptoms and impact on their daily lives. Assessing caregiver needs and providing resources during NT should be a priority.

Caregiver Burden and Quality of Life among Caregivers of Cancer Patients in Ahvaz, 2021 - 2022: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Reducing the care burden of family caregivers and improving their quality of life is one of the important goals of palliative care. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the caregiver burden (CB) and its relationship with the quality of life (QOL) of family caregivers of cancer patients admitted to Baqai 2 Hospital in Ahvaz City from 2021 to 2022. Methods: Using a convenience-sampling method, this cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study was carried out on 178 family caregivers of cancer patients. The data collection instrument included a three-part questionnaire. The first part included demographic information of family caregivers of cancer patients, the second part included the caregiver burden scale (CBS) to investigate the CB of the caregivers, and the third part included the caregiver quality of life index-cancer (CQOLC) scale to investigate QOL in caregivers. This questionnaire was standardized and had acceptable validity and reliability. Data analysis was carried out using descriptive and analytical statistics tests using SPSS V22 software. Results: The mean and SD of participants' CB and QOL were 15.79 ± 50.23 and 80.84 ± 23.29, respectively. The majority of caregivers (47.8%) had moderate CB, and the QOL of caregivers decreased significantly with an increasing CB (P &lt; 0.001). The results showed that caregivers' QOL was influenced by factors such as CB, place of residence (rural area), duration, and type of disease (P &lt; 0.001). Also, CB was influenced by factors such as marital and employment status, level of education, and the family relationship with patients (P &lt; 0.001). Conclusions: The results of the present study showed that the QOL of family caregivers of cancer patients decreased with increasing CB. Therefore, authorities and oncology nurses should design necessary plans to develop interventions to reduce CB and improve the QOL of family caregivers of cancer patients.

A Quantitative Study on Mental Health, Sleep Quality, and Quality of Life among Family Members of Patients With First-Episode Cancer

This study investigated mental health, sleep quality, and quality of life among family members of patients with first-episode cancer. A survey was conducted with 39 family members of patients with cancer, using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and Caregiver Quality of Life Index-Cancer (CQOLC). HADS scores indicated that 17 participants (43.6%) had adjustment and/or major depressive disorders. PSQI scores showed that 16 participants (42.1%) had sleep disturbances. However, CQOLC scores were higher than those in previous studies on families of patients with various stages of cancer. Although families of patients with first-episode cancer may not experience difficulties in their lives, their mental and physical conditions may be impaired. Healthcare providers should focus on the impact on the mental health and sleep needs of patients’ families caused by dealing with a loved one with cancer and offer support.

Effect of empowerment program on the quality of life of the elderly cancer patients’ caregiver: A quasi-experimental study

Cancer patients and their family face challenges in their quality of life (QoL). Families have an important role in health care programs for their patients. This study evaluates the family-centered trainings on the QoL of the family caregivers of elderly cancer patients. This quasi-experimental study was conducted in 30 caregivers of elderly cancer patients who randomly divided into control and experiment groups (n=15 per group). Data was collected using a demographic and the Caregiver Quality of Life Index-Cancer (CQOLC) scale. The intervention was carried out as an individual education in two one-hour sessions. Six weeks after the intervention, the quality of life (QoL) was remeasured in the groups. ANCOVA and Bonferroni tests showed a statistically significant difference in the mean score of the QOL between the experiment (60.53±15.99) and the control groups (68.07±18.49) in the post-test (P &lt;0.001). The family-centered intervention is beneficial in enhancing the QoL of caregivers of the elderly cancer patients. Consequently, providing educational programs can be an effective method and essential for improving the clients’ QoL.

Translation, Transcultural Adaptation and Validation of the Caregiver Quality of Life Index-Cancer (CQOLC) Scale in Hindi Language for Caregivers of Breast Cancer Patients

Translation, Transcultural Adaptation and Validation of the Caregiver Quality of Life Index-Cancer (CQOLC) Scale in Hindi Language for Caregivers of Breast Cancer Patients

Kualitas Hidup Family Caregiver Pasien Kanker dan Faktor-Faktor yang Mempengaruhinya

Background: The increase of cancer diagnosis in Indonesia needs special attention because cancer causes crisis not only in patient’s life but also to family caregivers. Studies depict that a family caregiver’s quality of life (QOL) influences patient’s. Therefore, it is necessary to pay special attention to the caregiver’s QOL to generate a holistic approach for cancer patients.Objective: This study aimed to portray family caregivers of cancer patients’ QOL and its associated factors.Methods: In this analytical crossectional study, 60 family caregivers of cancer patients were recruited. The Caregiver Quality of Life Index-Cancer (CQOLC) was used to assess the QOL of family caregivers and then analyzed using descriptive statistics and linear regression.Results: The mean age of the family caregiver was 40±13.67, and 53% were male. The mean score of CQOLC was 43.95 (±17.83). Age was negatively associated with CQOLC score (β= -3.389, p=.034) which meant positively associated with QOL whereas duration of caregiving (β= 2.167, p=.021), cancer stage (β= 1.299, p=.046), and burden of family caregiver (β= 1.292, p=.000) were positively associated with CQOLC score which meant negatively associated with QOL.Conclusion: The study found that the duration of caregiving, cancer stage, and burden were negatively associated with the QOL of the family caregiver. Nursing intervention such as caregiver assistant is needed to decrease the burden to family caregivers, especially when caring for cancer patients with advanced stages.

The relationship between satisfaction with care and quality of life among family caregivers of of patients living with terminal cancer in general wards: a cross-sectional study

Family caregivers of terminal cancer patients have reported experiencing low quality of life (QOL). Satisfaction with care has gained attention as a factor that correlates with QOL. To examine the relationship between 'satisfaction with care' and QOL of family caregivers of patients with terminal cancer. The study used a cross-sectional design and included family caregivers of patients with terminal cancer in general wards. The authors assessed family caregivers' QOL using the caregiver quality of life index-cancer; a multivariable regression analysis was conducted to identify the factors associated with QOL. A total of 51 family caregivers enrolled in the study. Their satisfaction with care and the months since their initial diagnosis were positively associated with a more positive QOL. Satisfaction with care is correlated with QOL among family caregivers of patients with terminal cancer in general wards. Enhancing family caregivers' satisfaction with care may contribute to improving their QOL.

Development and validation of questionnaires for eating-related distress among advanced cancer patients and families.

Eating-related distress (ERD) is one type of psychosocial distress among advanced cancer patients and family caregivers. Its alleviation is a key issue in palliative care; however, there is no validated tool for measuring ERD. The purpose of this study was to validate tools for evaluating ERD among patients and family caregivers. The study consisted of a development and validation/retest phase. In the development phase, we made preliminary questionnaires for patients and family caregivers. After face validity and content validity, we performed an exploratory factor analysis and discussed the final adoption of items. In the validation/retest phase, we examined factor validity with an exploratory factor analysis. We calculated Pearson's correlation coefficients between the questionnaire for patients, the Functional Assessment of Anorexia/Cachexia Therapy Anorexia Cachexia Subscale (FAACT ACS) and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-Cachexia 24 (EORTC QLQ-CAX24) and Pearson's correlation coefficients between the questionnaire for family caregivers and the Caregiver Quality of Life Index-Cancer (CQOLC) for concurrent validity. We calculated Cronbach's alpha coefficients (Cronbach's alpha) and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) for internal consistency and test-retest reliability. We performed the Mann-Whitney U test between the questionnaires and cancer cachexia based on criteria from the international consensus for known-group validity. In the development phase, 162 pairs of patients and family caregivers were asked to participate, and 144 patients and 106 family caregivers responded. In the validation/retest phase, 333 pairs of patients and family caregivers were asked to participate, and 234 patients and 152 family caregivers responded. Overall, 183 patients and 112 family caregivers did the retest. Seven conceptual groups were extracted for the ERD among patients and family caregivers, respectively. Patient factors 1-7 correlated with FAACT ACS (r=-0.63, -0.43, -0.55, -0.40, -0.38, -0.54, -0.38, respectively) and EORTC QLQ-CAX24 (r=0.58, 0.40, 0.60, 0.49, 0.38, 0.59, 0.42, respectively). Family factors 1-7 correlated with CQOLC (r=-0.34, -0.30, -0.37, -0.37, -0.46, -0.42, -0.40, respectively). The values of Cronbach's alpha and ICC of each factor and all factors of patients ranged from 0.84 to 0.96 and 0.67 to 0.83, respectively. Those of each factor and all factors of family caregivers ranged from 0.84 to 0.96 and 0.63 to 0.84, respectively. The cachexia group of patients had significantly higher scores than the non-cachexia group for each factor and all factors. Newly developed tools for measuring ERD experienced by advanced cancer patients and family caregivers have been validated.

Quality of Life of Family Caregivers of Cancer Patients in a Developing Nation.

Quality of life (QOL) of family caregivers of cancer patients is usually affected due to increase in caregiver burden. Their QOL has not garnered much attention by many including the health professionals and community. This study aims to explore the QOL of family caregivers of cancer patients in a multi-ethnic country in Asia and to investigate its associate factors. This is a cross-sectional study where family caregivers and patients who were diagnosed of cancers within 12 months were recruited. QOL of caregivers were measured using The Caregiver Quality of Life Index-Cancer (CQOLC). Psychological distress was measured using Hospital anxiety and depressive scale. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the related factors of QOL of caregivers. A total of 458 patients/caregiver pairs were included. Symptoms of anxiety and depression reported by caregivers were 24.9% and 24.2% respectively. Caregivers of patients with solid tumors have better CQOLC score compared to those who cared for patients with hematological cancers (91.25 vs 86.75). Caregivers of non-Malay ethnicity, those caring for patients with advanced stage cancer and with hematological cancers had significantly poorer QOL. QOL of caregivers are also significantly affected when patients demonstrated anxiety symptoms. This study provides detailed evaluation of the QOL of caregivers of cancer patients in Malaysia. The significant psychological distress and low caregiver QOL indicate the urgent need for comprehensive supports for caregivers with cancer patients, especially those caring for patients with haematological cancers.

Psychological predictors of quality of life among Jordanian cancer patients' caregivers.

The caregivers who provide care for patients with cancer often experience emotional and psychological stressors and burdens that could be influenced by several factors, including the cultural context. This study examines the level of emotional distress and burden and their effect on the quality of life (QOL) of Jordanian cancer patients' caregivers. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 257 family caregivers of patients at various stages of cancer. The average age of caregivers was 37.5years (SD=12.2). Most caregivers (145; 59.2%) were female and married (168; 68.6%). About a quarter were partners (32.2%) and lived with their patients (137; 55.9%). Caregivers with a reduced overall Caregiver Quality of Life Index-Cancer (CQOLC) score were more likely to be older, the parents of the patients, and living with patients in the same house. A significant negative relationship was found between caregivers' CQOLC and Zarit Burden Interview (r=-0.7, p=0.001), anxiety (r=-0.69, p=0.001), and depression (r=-0.42, p=0.03) scores. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that burden, anxiety, and depression scores were independent predictors and explained 63% of the variance in the total CQOLC score of caregivers. Cancer caregivers are at elevated risk of poor QOL. Despite participants' low perception of the burden level, this study provides preliminary results for policymakers and medical practitioners to foster a comprehensive platform supporting cancer caregivers. Moreover, identifying the caregivers' readiness to provide the needed care and the availability of supportive resources, as a clinical routine, is strongly recommended.

Comparison of Psychological Quality of Life Between Long-Term Survivors of Childhood Cancer and Their Families.

Purpose: Although treatment outcomes for childhood cancer have improved in recent years, some patients continue to experience physical symptoms and psychological stress several years after the end of treatment. This study aimed to examine the correlation between the quality-of-life (QOL) scores of childhood cancer survivors (CCSs) aged 18-39 and (1) their families and (2) the time since the end of treatment. Methods: Measuring the QOL of CCSs attending the long-term follow-up (LTFU) and those of their families. The Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) was used for CCSs and the Caregiver Quality of Life Index-Cancer (CQOLC) for their families. Spearman's rank correlation analyses were used to examine the relationship between the CCSs' and their families' QOL and the time since the end of treatment. Results: Twenty-nine CCSs (mean age, 24.2 years; mean the time since the end of treatment, 13.9 years), each paired with one family member, were included. Time since the end of treatment was positively correlated with the CCSs' QOL on the physical component score (ρ = 0.42, p = 0.03) and negatively correlated with mental health (MH) (ρ = -0.50, p = 0.01), a subscale of the mental component score (MCS). Furthermore, the CCSs' QOL on the MCS was positively correlated with their families' QOL scores (ρ = 0.58, p < 0.01). Conclusion: Psychological stress may persist in CCSs long after treatment, even when physical symptoms improve. Therefore, it is necessary to establish a comprehensive support system for the LTFU of CCSs, including MH care and QOL monitoring for patients and their families.

Predictors of the relationship between the duration of cancer and care time with the supportive care needs of patients and the quality of life of their caregivers: a path analysis.

Breast cancer (BC) patients face various physical and psychological challenges. The mutual impacts of patients and caregivers on each other show the need for further supportive care from the community and family. This study aimed to identify the predictors of the direct and indirect relationships of the duration of cancer (CANCERT) and care time (CARET) with the supportive care needs (SCN) of the patients and the quality of life (QOL) of their family caregivers. This descriptive study included 150 patients and their caregivers in Iran. Data were collected using the Supportive Care Needs Survey-Short Form (SCNS-SF34), the Caregiver Quality of Life Index-Cancer (CQOLC) scale, and a socio-demographic checklist. The data were then analyzed in SPSS-24 and Lisrel-8.8 software using descriptive statistics and path analysis. The mean age of the patients and caregivers was 45.76 ± 10.44 and 43.46 ± 9.5, respectively. The majority of patients (96%) were in stages II and III of the disease. There was no statistically significant relationship between cancer stages with SCN of the patients and also caregivers' QOL (P > 0.05). Based on the test results, the CANCERT was positively correlated with the patients' care and support needs (SN) in total effect (β = 0.24). The patients' sexuality needs had the highest negative correlation with their CANCERT in the direct path (β = - 0.27) and had the highest negative correlation with psychological needs in the indirect path (β = - 0.174). The CARET (hours per day) had positive correlation with health systems and information needs in both the direct (β = 0.26) and indirect paths (β = 0.15). The highest positive correlation with physical needs was in the direct path (β = 0.34). The caregivers' QOL had a negative and direct relationship with the CANCERT (β = - 0.19), and there was a positive and direct relationship between CARET and the caregivers' QOL (β = 0.18). The correlations obtained from this study are not necessarily strong, yet they are important and should be noticed and tested in the future studies. The present findings reveal the need to provide comprehensive care, planning to provide supportive care, and counseling to both BC patients and their family caregivers, especially when the duration of the disease is prolonged.

Examination of family caregivers of advanced cancer patients within the scope of the cancer family caregiving experience model: An embedded mixed-methods design.

This study aimed to examine the stressors and contextual factors that affect the quality of life (QoL) of caregivers of advanced cancer patients and to address their caregiving experiences. The study had an embedded mixed-methods design and was conducted in the medical oncology unit of a training and research hospital in Turkey. In the quantitative phase, 125 patients with advanced cancer and their family caregivers were included. In the qualitative phase, 21 family caregivers were included. The analysis of quantitative data was carried out using SPSS 25.0 statistical program, and qualitative data were carried out using Collaizi's seven-step descriptive analysis approach. QoL was determined as the dependent variable and evaluated with Caregiver QoL Index-Cancer (CQOLC). The symptoms, care dependency of patients, and preparedness to the care of caregivers showed a direct impact on the CQOLC. Income level, employment status, and daily caregiving hours demonstrated a direct effect on the CQOLC. Four themes emerged from the interviews: Understanding the dynamics of the caregiving process, losing control of life during the caregiving process, limitation of socio-economic freedom in the caregiving process, and the effort to hold on to life in the caregiving process. The cancer family caregiving experience model is a useful model for evaluating the QoL of caregivers from a multidimensional perspective. Health care professionals should not forget that the QoL of family caregivers should be evaluated in multiple ways, and education programmes for family members should be structured.

Quality of life in caregivers of cancer patients in Colombia.

e24000 Background: It is well known that improvements in caregiver quality of life (QOL) could significantly impact the clinical outcome of cancer patients, which is why it is essential to study this population. Caregivers have extensive responsibilities, making them vulnerable to emotional, physical, social, and financial distress. Evaluation of cancer patient caregiver QOL in Latin America and validation of QOL metrics, such as the Caregiver Quality of Life Index-Cancer (CQOLC), has not yet been done in large populations. We sought to evaluate these characteristics in 5 regions in Colombia. Methods: Cancer patients (n = 165) receiving active treatment and their respective adult caregivers were evaluated. Both caregivers and patients completed a sociodemographic survey, along with the CQOLC, which was translated to Colombian Spanish and validated in a pilot cohort. CQOLC is composed of five subcategories with a total max score of 140. Higher scores are associated with better QOL. Internal consistency was determined by Cronbach’s alpha. Results: The patient’s median age was 63 years (58.8% females). The primary cancer diagnoses were breast, cervical, and lung cancer, with a median ECOG-PS of 1. 6.3% of patients did not have a caregiver, and their responses were also evaluated. The median caregiver age was 53 years (range 19-75 years, 60% females). 4.7% of caregivers were unemployed, and 59% reported financial or psychological distress. 93.8% of caregivers were family members, most frequently spouses or children. The median CQOLC score was 90 ± 15.2. The median score for each of the five subcategories “burden,” “disruptiveness,” “positive adaption,” “financial concern,” and “other” were as follows: 2, 3, 3, 3, and 3 (max score of 4). Conclusions: Most patients and caregivers were interested in participating in the study and reported no issues comprehending or answering the questions. This suggests no potential problems adapting the Spanish-translated CQOLC to future studies. Despite most caregivers reporting financial distress and low family income status, their overall CQOLC scores were relatively high compared to developing countries like the USA, potentially due to cross-cultural differences. The higher median score in the “disruptiveness” category suggests that Colombian caregivers feel strongly committed to caregiving and do not feel this activity interferes significantly with their daily life, possibly related to a sense of family responsibility and moral duty. However, the lower median score in the “burden” category indicates that caregivers feel a heavy emotional toll as a result of their caregiving role. Our results can help identify caregiver QOL areas of improvement, where government policies can be implemented to benefit both the caregiver and the patient.Keywords: caregiver burden, quality of life, Colombia, validation, CQOLC, cancer patients

Development of the quality of life of family caregivers of advanced cancer patients scale in Japan: Psychometric properties

ObjectiveWe aimed to develop a new scale for use in Japan, called the “Quality of Life of Family Caregivers of Advanced Cancer Patients Scale (QFCS)” and to examine its psychometric properties. MethodsA draft scale was extracted based on qualitative inductive and deductive analyses, and its content validity and surface validity were investigated. Its psychometric properties were examined. ResultsThe QFCS consists of 30 items comprising four factors. Cronbach's α was 0.92 and the intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.90. Correlation coefficients between the total QFCS score and eight subscale scores of the revised Medical Outcomes Study 12-Item Short Form Survey Instrument were rs ​= ​0.22–0.65 (P ​< ​0.01–0.05). The Physical Component Summary was r ​= ​0.29 (P ​< ​0.01), and the Mental Component Summary was r ​= ​0.67 (P ​< ​0.01). Correlation coefficients between the QFCS total score and four subscale scores of the Caregiver Quality of Life Index-Cancer (CQOLC) were r ​= ​0.27–0.59 (P ​<0 ​.01) and the CQOLC total score was r ​= ​0.65 (P ​<0 ​.01). ConclusionsOur results suggest that the QFCS exhibited acceptable psychometric properties in measuring the quality of life of family caregivers of patients with advanced cancer. Future research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness and quality of family support using the QFCS.

Quality of life and related factors in caregivers of children with cancer in Iran.

The aim of this study was to determine the quality of life and its related factors in the caregivers of children with cancer. This cross-sectional study assessed the quality of life of 270 caregivers of children with cancer in Iran. Data collection tools were a personal information form and the Caregiver Quality of Life Index-Cancer. Data were analyzed by SPSS-18 software using descriptive and inferential statistics (independent t-test, analysis of variance, and linear regression model). The mean score of quality of life was 78.3 ± 1.6 out of 140. Variables that were significantly associated with quality of life included age (p = .031), gender (p = .021), education (p = .048), occupation (p = .011), economic status (p = .038), average caring time (p = .021), and age of the child (p = .011). The caregivers of children with cancer did not have a good quality of life. Healthcare providers need to provide comprehensive educational, emotional, social, and economic support to the caregivers of patients with cancer.

Translation and reliability of the caregiver quality of life index-cancer (CQOLC) Scale in Hindi and it's association with the Kessler psychological distress scale (K10) for cancer caregivers at a tertiary radiotherapy centre in India

BackgroundWith increasing incidence of cancer worldwide and increasing burden of treatment over the patients with cancer, the caregivers of those patients with cancer also suffer from psychological distress which ultimately affects their Quality of Life (QOL). This aspect is often overlooked which may ultimately lead to compromised patient care. PurposeTo translate the Caregiver Quality of Life Index-Cancer (CQOLC) Scale in Hindi and assess its association with Kesslers's psychological distress scale (K-10) for determining the quality of life (QoL) of caregivers of patients with cancer in India. MethodsThis is a single institute, hospital based cross sectional study performed from July 2020 to March 2021. Caregiver Quality of Life Index-Cancer (CQOLC) Scale, employing standard ‘forward–backforward’ translation procedure, the English-language version of the questionnaire was translated into Hindi-language by experts and administered to each caregiver. Cronbach's alpha was used for internal consistency. Kesslers's psychological distress scale (K-10) was analysed on interview basis. ResultsA total evaluated responders were 264. The hindi versions of the CQOLC was validated by cronbach's alpha method with internal consistency between 0.8 and 0.91. The majority of the caregivers were of the age group 31-40 yrs (42.05%). The male to female ratio was 6.54:1. CQOLC good score(0-45) was obtained in 27.27%, fair(46-90) in 55.30% and poor(91-140) in 17.42%. For K-10 distress scale very mild(10-19), mild(20-24), moderate(25-29) and severe(30-50) was observed in 47.73%, 11.74%, 11.74% and 28.79% respectively. A strong relation was found between the caregivers with poor CQOLC score and severe K-10 score(p<0.001). ConclusionThe Hindi version of CQOLC was accepted and its correlation with the point psychological distress predictor (K-10) scale was a valuable method to identify caregivers with poor QOL and severe distress levels.