Caregivers Of Cancer Patients Research Articles

Current status and influencing factors of care burden of pancreatic cancer caregivers under COVID-19.

To explore the level of care burden and its influencing factors of caregivers of pancreatic cancer patients during hospitalization under the background of COVID-19. From September 2021 to December 2021, in Jiangsu Province Hospital, the convenience sampling method was used to investigate the care burden level of family caregivers of pancreatic cancer patients, and univariate and multivariate analysis methods were used to analyze the influencing factors. The survey tools included the General Information Questionnaire, the Family Caregiver Care Burden Scale, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, the Benefit Discovery Rating Scale, and the General Self-Efficacy Scale. A total of 100 subjects were included in this study, of which 45% were male and 55% were older than 50 years. In the Context of COVID-19, the care burden of caregivers of pancreatic cancer patients was at a mild level, and the main influencing factors were family economic status (p < 0.001), anxiety and depression level (p < 0.001) and self-efficacy (p < 0.001). Medical staff should pay attention to the caregivers of pancreatic cancer with a heavy family burden, and pay attention to their anxiety and depression, and take corresponding measures to improve the self-efficacy of the caregivers, so as to reduce the care burden.

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.

Factors Affecting Quality of Life among Caregivers of Cancer Patients in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India: A Quantitative Study

Introduction: Cancer impacts not only people living with cancer but also their caregivers. In hospital, caregivers always have pressure on them and their personal and private lives are disrupted during the caring process. Aim: To identify the various factors affecting the Quality Of Life (QOL) among caregivers of cancer patients. Materials and Methods: This quantitative study with an exploratory research design was conducted in oncology Outpatient Department (OPD) of All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh, India, from November 2019 to February 2020. A total of 256 caregivers of cancer patients, who were visiting various oncology units were included. Data regarding caregiver’s sample characteristics, clinical variables and caregiver’s Oncology Quality of Life questionnaire (CarGOQoL) were collected. Statistical analysis was done using Chi-square test and Fisher-exact tests were used to study variables. Results: Majority, 94 (37%) belonged to 41-50 years age group, 143 (56%) were females, and 142 (56%) lived in rural areas. Patients’ diagnoses were breast cancer in 94 (37%), Stage-III in 133 (52%), symptoms lasting more than 6-12 months in 103 (40%), and were partial dependent in 172 (67%). A total of 123 (48%) of caregivers scored less in the CarGOQoL questionnaire, so about half of the caregivers had a poor QOL. Caregiver coping (43%) and the private life domain were enormously affected in 193 (37%). Significant relationships with caregivers’ QOL were seen for variables like female gender (p-value=0.037), educational level of patients (p-value=0.018), caregivers with co-morbidities (p-value=0.05), and the number of earning members in the family (p-value=0.022). Conclusion: Care burden always has an impact on the caregiver’s overall QOL. It mainly affected their psychological well-being, burdens, and private lives. Therefore, comprehensive attention should be given to patients as well as caregivers.

Prevalence of Anxiety and Depression among Caregivers of Cancer Patients A Case Study in a Public Hospital in Malaysia

INTRODUCTION: Anxiety and depression are common mental illnesses among cancer caregivers. Most caregivers often sacrifice a lot of time, energy and their own physical and emotional needs. MATERIALS AND METHOD: A cross sectional study was conducted among 156 caregivers of cancer patients who were providing treatment and moral support to cancer patients at the Oncology clinic of Sultan Ismail Hospital (SIH), Johor Bahru, Malaysia. The Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale (HADS) was used to assess the depression and anxiety levels among the respondents. Data was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 17.0 software. The P value of less than 0.5 was taken a significant. RESULTS: In general, there was moderate relationship between cancer caregivers and patients in term of emotional, care and patient treatment, but in some circumstances, caregivers were also exposed to risk during care period of cancer patients. There was a significant relationship with moderate correlation between factors of taking care of emotion of patients (p&lt;0.05, r=0.403), their diseases (p&lt;0.05, r=0.456) and treatment (p&lt;0.05, r=0.600) with the level of anxiety. There was a strong correlation between caring and anxiety in the item of lack of attention on patient demand (p&lt; 0.05, r=0.91) and not angry to patient (p&lt;0.83). CONCLUSION: The awareness regarding the anxiety and depression among caregivers need to be increased among health professionals such as physicians and nurses. Although the interventions are aimed to help the patients, but this can also cause anxiety and depression to caregivers.

Requirements for promoting help-seeking behaviors in family caregivers of cancer patients: A qualitative study.

Caring for a family member with cancer is a challenging issue for families. Family caregivers often need the help of supportive resources to solve problems in their care role. A deep understanding of the requirements of caregivers to seek help is an effective step toward their ability to use supportive resources. This study aimed to identify and describe the requirements for promoting help-seeking behaviors in Iranian family caregivers of cancer patients. This qualitative study was conducted through in-depth semi-structured interviews with 28 participants selected using purposeful sampling method from 2019 to 2021. An interview guide with general questions about seeking help was used to maintain coherence in data collection. The interviews continued until data saturation. All interviews were recorded, transcribed and analyzed through qualitative content analysis. The requirements of promoting help-seeking behaviors in family caregivers were grouped into four main categories: (1) improving social paths toward seeking help, (2) spiritual-psychological-cognitive empowerment toward seeking help, (3) strengthening the motivations behind seeking help, and (4) modifying the perception of cultural barriers to seeking help. According to the results of this study, it is expected that by identifying the requirements of caregivers for seeking help and by health stakeholders designing comprehensive programs to address these needs, caregivers will be empowered to use supportive resources and provide a better care role.

Interest in and Barriers to Practicing Yoga among Family Caregivers of People with Cancer.

Family caregivers of people with cancer report high levels of psychological distress. Yoga, with well-documented mental health benefits, could be a useful intervention to address distress in this population. However, little is known about yoga practices among cancer caregivers. The present study evaluates their interest in and barriers to yoga practice. We conducted a cross-sectional survey study of family caregivers of cancer patients at five suburban satellite locations of an academic cancer center. Survey items and statistical analyses focused on yoga usage as well as interest in and barriers to yoga practice. Among 539 participants, most were females (64.8%), white (84.2%), and caring for a spouse or partner (54.7%). Interest in practicing yoga among study participants was 42.3%. Increased interest was independently associated with being females (odds ratio [OR] = 3.30, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.98-5.51, P < 0.001) and employed (part-time: OR = 2.58, 95% CI = 1.1-6.18, P = 0.03; full-time: OR = 1.77, 95% CI = 1.1-2.01, P = 0.02). Few participants (6.3%) were currently practicing yoga, although 31% had done so in the past. Sixty-one percent of those who had practiced before their loved one's diagnosis stopped practicing yoga afterward. Commonly cited barriers to yoga practice included time constraints (37.3%) and psychological obstacles (33.6%). About a quarter of those who had never practiced yoga lacked awareness of yoga's benefits (26.6%). Despite the low use of yoga, interest in practicing was moderately high, especially among women and employed caregivers. As caregivers face numerous barriers to yoga practice, strategies are needed to overcome these barriers and help them access yoga's health benefits.

Myths, beliefs, and attitude toward cancer among the family caregivers of cancer patients: A community-based, mixed-method study in rural Tamil Nadu.

Family support is one of the most crucial components of cancer care. The familial beliefs and myths associated with cancer can seriously affect the quality of life and treatment outcome of cancer patients. This study intends to explore the prevailing myths, beliefs, and attitude toward cancer among the family caregivers of cancer patients. A community-based, exploratory, mixed-method study was conducted among family caregivers of cancer patients in Cuddalore and Villupuram districts of Tamil Nadu. Content analysis method was used for in-depth interviews. Sociodemographic characteristics and attitude of the study participants were described using proportions. A common myth about causation of cancer was that it was contagious or of infective origin. Disbelief in tobacco's causation of cancer was found among the study participants. Family members' support was viewed as an essential component for cancer patients. Majority of the participants in the quantitative survey showed favorable attitude toward cancer patients. The common misconception about cancer treatment was that surgery/biopsy can spread cancer and herbal products can cure cancer. Even though a majority of the participants showed favorable attitude toward their cancer patients, false beliefs and myths regarding causation and treatment of cancer are prevalent in the community.

Risk of stress in caregiving role of cancer patients

Objective: To analyze the risk of stress in the role of caregivers of cancer patients. Method: Qualitative, descriptive, phenomenological research. The participants of the study were caregivers of a patient with cancer, taking as inclusion criteria that they had more than 1 year of uninterrupted care of the patient. The information was collected through semi-structured interviews that were recorded and then transcribed word by word. The information saturation criterion was taken into account, at which time the information collection was completed; therefore, 10 interviews were carried out. The data analysis was carried out following the grounded theory in the data, emerging categories and subcategories from the discourse of the study participants; triangulating the data with previous studies and theoretical aspects on the subject. Results: The risk of caregiver stress is related to physiological, emotional, economic aspects and expectations with the recovery of the family member having as a basis the support of the family and the activities performed by them. Conclusions: The risk of caregiver stress was evidenced with greater relevance from the physiological point of view, since most caregivers presented body aches, tiredness and insomnia. From the emotional point of view, the caregivers presented alterations such as sadness, anxiety and from the economic point of view, there were resignations from their work places, their profession and their life projects.

Assessing the burden of family caregivers of cancer patients: a cross-sectional study

Objective: To evaluate the burden of family caregivers of cancer patients in a Brazilian oncology hospital. Method: Quantitative, descriptive and cross-sectional research conducted in a Brazilian oncology hospital, located in Minas Gerais. Data collection occurred through the application of a questionnaire containing sociodemographic questions and the Zarit scale, which assesses the degree of burden of caregivers, was used. Inclusion criteria were family caregivers over the age of 18, whose family member had a diagnosis of cancer and who was involved in caregiving. The association between burden and the explanatory variables was performed from the multiple linear regression model. The program SPSS version 20 was used to perform the analyses. Results: Among the 125 individuals interviewed, the majority were under 38 years old, 66.4% were female, 45.6% were children and 22.4% were spouses. The time of care varied from six months (39.2%) to two years (21.6%) and 80% of the interviewed individuals acted directly in the care of the ill person, 97.6% did not present overload. Conclusions: The caregivers in general did not present overload; however, it was verified a reduction in the quality of life of these caregivers when the questions of the Zarit scale referring to the psychological and social relations domains, separately, were analyzed.

CANCER CARE IN ELDERLY: CHALLENGES AND REQUIREMENTS OF INFORMAL CAREGIVERS

Abstract The affect of Covid -19 and changes in healthcare has shifted most of cancer care of elderly to home settings. Calcutta Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology (CMIG), Regional Resource and Training Centre in Ageing studied the daily tasks, requirements and emotional burden of caregivers in West Bengal, India. Caregivers of lung cancer, liver cancer and colorectal cancer patients (n=500) completed questionnaires provided by CMIG. The mean age of cancer patients was 72.5 years. CMIG found that 47% of the caregivers were the spouses of elderly patients, 33% were their adult children and 20% were other family members. Forty six percent of the caregivers were found to care for patients with metastatic disease, 33% cared for co morbidities, 63% cared for those undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Ninety eight percent of the caregivers provided assistance with Activities of Daily Living, 75% in administering medicine, 47% helped in pain management, 39% helped in hospital visits or deciding to call doctor. Twenty one percent of the caregivers reported poor health and 16% were not confident of the quality of care they provided. Sixty six percent reported suffering from stress and perceived cancer as a family disease, 45% thought they lacked social support. Of the adult children who provided care, 78% resported they needed more training to provide quality cancer care and transitioning to formal care would improve results.This study will help influence State policies for allocation of resources for training for cancer caregivers, build support groups for stress management and create cancer care helplines.

POOR SLEEP COMMON AMONG HOSPICE FAMILY CAREGIVERS AND ASSOCIATED WITH WORSE CAREGIVER HEALTH

Abstract Over 1.2 million hospice family caregivers in the United States are at risk for interrupted, insufficient sleep due to overnight caregiving responsibilities, anxiety or intrusive thoughts, and inadequate caregiving support. Insomnia contributes to health inequities yet is underrecognized and undertreated. The prevalence of insomnia among hospice family caregivers is not well understood. The purpose of this preliminary study was to describe insomnia prevalence among hospice family caregivers and identify factors that differentiate caregivers with sleep difficulties from caregivers without sleep difficulties. This observational study included 57 hospice family caregivers of cancer patients enrolled in a randomized clinical trial for caregivers [NCT02929108]. Results showed 49.1% of hospice family caregivers had subthreshold insomnia to severe clinical insomnia, as measured by the Insomnia Severity Index. Although social determinant of health variables did not differ based on caregiver insomnia status, caregivers with insomnia (5.0, median) self-rated their physical health significantly lower than caregivers without insomnia (8.0, median) (P&amp;lt; 0.001). Directionally, the distance a caregiver lived from a care-recipient also differed by insomnia status, with 70% of caregivers with insomnia co-residing compared to 46% of caregivers without insomnia. Overall, 78.9% of hospice family caregivers had no caregiving support; anxiety and depression were highly prevalent. Clinicians should screen hospice family caregivers for sleep disorders and seek to improve caregiver health by offering sleep interventions tailored to the specific needs of hospice family caregivers and connecting caregivers to health resources for their own wellbeing. Policy makers must expand hospice benefits to include additional caregiver support.

Economic hardship among principal family caregivers of cancer patients at Khartoum oncology hospital 2020: a cross-sectional study

The impact of cancer extends beyond patients and consumes their families. Family members are widely recognized as informal caregivers. The economic burden on family caregivers is increased with new treatments, prolonged survival, and reduced stay in the acute care setting. This is especially true in African countries where family bonds are sacred and health system is fragile that they need to pay out of pocket for care. The aim of this study is to estimate the perceived caregivers' economic burden in the subsequent aspects: financial strain, inability to make ends meet, not enough money for necessities, and economic adjustments/cutbacks. This study was a quantitative, descriptive cross-sectional study conducted at Khartoum oncology hospital. Included 143 caregivers of cancer patients. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using the socio-demographic Questionnaire and Economic Hardship Questionnaire (EHQ). One hundred forty-three cancer patients and their caregivers were included. 56.6% of patients were females, and about 32.2% were aged 51-65years. The most common cancer types were breast cancer and leukemia. Roughly 33% of patients had stage IV cancer on presentation, and about 53.9% received chemotherapy. Unlike cancer patients, (47.6%) of family caregivers were aged 18-34years, yet they were mainly females (54.4%). Most of them (34.3%) were unemployed, with a mean monthly gross income of 53.3 dollars, while the mean household monthly gross income was 113.0 dollars. The mean score of the economic hardship scale was 35.8 out of 64. Most of the caregivers experience no difficulties affording necessities. However, they experience difficulties with medical and leisure activities. There was no significant association between caregiver economic hardship and cancer patient characteristics (patients' age, cancer stage, and treatment type). However, there was a significant association between caregivers' economic hardships and their gender, marital status, educational level, occupation, caregiver monthly gross income, and household monthly gross income. The study findings suggest a moderate financial burden among cancer caregivers. The predicting factors include being single, a student, male, of higher educational level, and lower income. Financial difficulties are associated with maladaptive behavior and should come to light.

The demands of caregivers of children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in different therapy stages and the exploration of possible interventions: A longitudinal investigation survey at a Tertiary Medical Institution.

To describe the demands of family caregivers of children with ALL at different therapy stages and explore the possible interventions to address their care demands. A longitudinal investigation study. A total of 157 family caregivers of children treated in the Haematological oncology ward of a tertiary medical hospital in China between March and December in 2020 were included in this study. The Comprehensive Needs of Caregivers of Cancer Patients and Families Taking Care of Children Scale was used to investigate the family caregivers of children with ALL. The family caregivers completed the questionnaire accompanied by a researcher within two weeks of each therapy stage, which included the induction, consolidation and continuation stages. Family caregivers of children with ALL had many demands that varied based on the stage of therapy. Family caregivers in the induction therapy stage needed more information about their children's disease, having the highest score in information demands (35.60 ± 5.85). The family caregivers in the consolidation therapy stage needed more information on symptom management and socio-economic support, having the highest score in care and support demands (36.14 ± 5.12). The family caregivers in the continuation therapy stage (including interim and maintenance therapy stages) focused more on their own and the children's social adaptation, so they scored the highest for psychosocial demands (35.96 ± 5.69). Family caregivers of children with ALL had different demands that varied based on the stage of therapy. Medical personnel should be aware of the primary needs of family caregivers at different therapy stages to provide early interventions and support based on their demands, ultimately improving the physical and mental condition of family caregivers and the quality of care.

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.

PCR257 Humanistic Burden Pre and Post COVID-19 on Caregivers of Cancer Patients in Japan and China: A NHWS Survey

PCR257 Humanistic Burden Pre and Post COVID-19 on Caregivers of Cancer Patients in Japan and China: A NHWS Survey

Family Caregivers of Adult Cancer Patients in Oman: Predictors of Caregivers' Self-efficacy for Cancer Pain and Related Symptom Management at Home.

Family caregivers (FCGs) contribute significantly to the management of pain and other symptoms experienced by their family member with cancer and may not receive preparation to meet the changing patient needs. The aim of this study was to identify the predictors of FCG self-efficacy (SE) for pain and related symptom management of adult family members with cancer. Data were collected from 165 Omani FCGs. The questionnaire comprised the caregiver cancer pain and related symptom management SE scale, the Katz index, Caregiver Reaction Assessment, and Family Pain Questionnaire. Electronic medical records provided data on patients' cancer diagnosis, pain, and symptoms. Predictors of SE were examined using linear regression analysis. Most FCGs were female (58.2%) and children of the patient (53.9%). Most patients were on chemotherapy or palliative care (82.4%) and had at least stage 3 cancer (58.8%). Family caregivers reported average SE. The predictors of SE were as follows: patients' functional status (β = 40.90, P = .001), patients' pain intensity (β = -15.10, P = .036), FCGs' confidence in controlling the patients' pain (β = 28.80, P = .000), FCGs' self-rated health (β = -25.90, P = .038), and interaction of FCGs' knowledge level with patients' pain intensity (β = -1.31, P = .008), caregiving hours (β = -0.10, P = .025), and impact of caregiving on FCGs' physical health (β = 1.29, P = .031). Family caregivers' health status, knowledge, caregiving demands, patient functional status, and pain intensity have a significant effect on caregivers' symptom management. A deliberate model of care that includes supportive interventions to enhance the abilities of FCGs with symptom management is needed in Oman.

Influences of Depression and Social Support on Quality of Life in Family Caregivers of Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy at an Outpatient Department

Purpose: This study investigated the effects of depression and social support on quality of life in family caregivers of cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy at an outpatient department.Methods: This study had a crosssectional, correlational design using a structured questionnaire. Data were collected from October to December 2019 at a hematology-oncology outpatient department. In total, 148 family caregivers participated in this study. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent t-test, one-way analysis of variance, Pearson correlation coefficients, and multiple regression with SPSS for Windows version 27.0.Results: The quality of life showed statistically significant differences according to the educational level (t=-3.02, p=.003), family monthly income (t=-4.22, p&lt;.001), job status (t=4.31, p&lt;.001), chronic illness (t=-2.67, p=.009) and patient’s gender (t=-2.70, p=.008). The quality of life was significantly correlated with between depression (r=-.53, p&lt;.001) and social support (r=.50, p&lt;.001). Depression (β=-.35, p&lt;.001), social support (β=.35, p&lt;.001), and job status (β=.15, p=.024) were identified as significant predictors. This model explained approximately 47% of variance in quality of life (F=19.74, p&lt;.001).Conclusion: It is necessary to pay attention to the quality of life in family caregivers of patients with cancer undergoing chemotherapy. Nursing interventions to improve their quality of life might also be developed to considering depression and social support.

Relationship Between Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms and Caregiver Burden In Breast Cancer Patients: The Mediating Role of Anxiety and Depression.

A total of 236 breast cancer patients from China completed the Chinese Version of the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptom Scale (PSS), the Chinese version of the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), the Chinese version of the General Anxiety Symptoms Scale (GAD-7). In addition, caregivers of these breast cancer patients were surveyed by the Caregiver Self-Assessment Questionnaire (CSAQ). Structural equation model showed that our model fitted well [χ2 /df = 1.966, TLI = 0.959, CFI = 0.994, RMSEA (90% CI) = 0.065 (0-0.12)] and revealed that anxiety, but not depression, mediated the relationship between PTSS in breast cancer patients and caregiver burden. The level of PTSS was positively correlated with anxiety and depression in breast cancer patients, and the level of anxiety and depression was positively related to caregiver burden. The PTSS of patients positively predicted caregiver burden and this relationship appears to be mediated by the patient's anxiety.

QOL-14. IDENTIFICATION OF CHALLENGES FACED BY CAREGIVERS OF PATIENTS WITH NEWLY DIAGNOSED GLIOMAS

Abstract OBJECTIVE Describe the most common and challenging issues facing caregivers of patients with newly diagnosed gliomas. BACKGROUND Despite growing evidence that caregivers of brain cancer patients have high burden, there are no studies on what specific aspects of caregiving are most challenging. Understanding these specifics can inform better approaches to support them. METHODS Prospective study of caregivers of patients with newly diagnosed gliomas (glioblastomas, anaplastic astrocytomas, and low-grade gliomas). Caregivers (n=57 at baseline) used free-text fields to report the most challenging aspects of caregiving at baseline, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after diagnosis. Responses were grouped into categories for analyses and examined utilizing the Model to Guide Patient and Family Care. RESULTS Caregiver participants included spouses (n=34), children (n=12), and others (n=11) and the majority of tumors were high-grade gliomas. The most common challenges at each time point were coping with diagnosis and associated mortality and uncertainty (32% at baseline), providing hands-on care (27% at 3 months), dealing with the patient’s emotions (33% at 6 months), and providing hands-on care, witnessing cognitive/behavioral changes, and seeing physical deficits (each 30% at 12 months). Psychological challenges such as dealing with emotions, coping with the diagnosis, or witnessing cognitive/behavioral changes were common across all time points. Social challenges such as communication difficulties and shifting relationships and family dynamics were less common. At baseline, coping with the new diagnosis was most challenging for caregivers, whereas at 12-months, the patients’ cognitive, behavioral, emotional, and physical difficulties became more pronounced resulting in the need for more hands-on care. The data was limited by dropouts, particularly at 12-months(n=20). CONCLUSION Caregivers of glioma patients experience challenges that evolve in the 12 months following diagnosis. These results provide a starting point to better screen caregivers for distress and develop targeted interventions to improve caregivers’ quality of life.

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.