TO ASSESS THE EFFECTS OF CANCER CAREGIVER’S DEMOGRAPHICS ON QUALITY OF LIFE (QOL) AND STRAIN BURDEN ON CANCER CAREGIVERS

Abstract

The number of cancer survivors has steadily increased as a result of improved cancer treatments and early detection. Caregiver is an individual who has the responsibility of meeting the physical and psychological needs of the dependent cancer patient. High stress levels in family caregivers also can interfere with their ability to provide the, physical, emotional or logistical and financial support patients need.

Aim of the study:The main aim of the study is to assess the effects of cancer caregiver’s demographics on Quality Of Life (QOL) and Strain Burden (SB) and there inter-relation on overall wellbeing of cancer care givers. Cancer is the most common condition followed by Dementia, Alzheimer’s disease associated with care giving. As cancer treatment progresses, the of care strain burden givers (CG) is likely to increase.

Methods: This is a prospective observational study, carried out at Dept. of Clinical Oncology, Enam Medical College & Hospital, Savar, Dhaka, Bangladeshbetween January 2019 to December 2019 were included in the study. 120 caregivers of patients undergoing cancer treatment irrespective of type of cancer. The CG Quality of Life-Cancer Scale (CQOLC) and the Modified CG Strain Index (CSI) were used to assess QOL and SB of CG respectively. Appropriate statistical tests were used to assess interrelation of QOL and SB.

Results: A significant correlation was found between CQOLC and CSI (R2=0.76). One way ANOVA revealed a significant difference in CQOLC and CSI of CG with respect to their relationship with the patient and their marital status (p<0.001). However, no such significant difference was found with respect to gender of the CG.

Conclusion: This study examined many causes of CG’s QOL and SB, like gender, relationship and marital status. As the cancer intensifies, the QOL of CG reduced and was found to be directly proportional to SB. Structured CG counseling is required to improve their QOL.