Factors associated with high burden in caregivers of older adults with cancer

Abstract

Background Older adults with cancer are vulnerable to functional decline, placing greater onus on caregivers. Few studies have prospectively examined burden in caregivers of older cancer patients. We sought to determine factors associated with high caregiver burden. Methods 100 caregivers of patients age ≥65 with cancer, recruited at a single-institution, completed questionnaires gauging their perception of the patient’s physical, emotional, and social health. The association between these items, cancer-related factors, sociodemographic factors, and caregiver burden [measured by the Caregiver Strain Index (CSI)] was determined through multivariate analysis. Results Patients were a median age of 70 (range 65–91), 70% had advanced disease, and 98% were receiving treatment. Caregivers were mostly female (73%), spouses (68%), and lived with the patient (79%). Median hours of care provided was 10 hours/week. Mean CSI score was 3.1±3.2. Most caregivers (75%) reported some burden, with 15% reporting high caregiver burden (CSI ≥7). In multivariate analysis, employed caregivers (OR 4.5; 95% CI 1.1–18.4, p=0.04) and those who cared for patients requiring more help with instrumental activities of daily living (OARS-IADL score <12 of 14) (OR 12.4; 95% CI 2.4–62.5, p<0.001) were more likely to experience high caregiver burden (CSI ≥7). Conclusions Caregiver burden is common in those who care for older cancer patients. High burden is more likely in employed caregivers and those who care for patients who require increased functional assistance. Further studies are needed to determine unique challenges experienced by caregivers of older adults with cancer and potential interventions to alleviate burden in these caregivers.

Using Web-Based Interventions to Support Caregivers of Patients With Cancer: A Systematic Review

“…In terms of translating these findings into practice, the reviewed studies dem onstrated that a majority of caregivers were m iddle-aged female spouses or part ners, which is consistent with the existing caregiving lit erature (Hsu et al, 2014;National Alliance for Caregiv ing & AARP, 2009;Ugalde, Krishnasamy, & Schofield, 2014). Healthcare providers can use these demographic findings to help identify caregivers who may benefit the most from interventions.…”

Modelo De Adaptação Em Um Ensaio Clínico Controlado Com Cuidadores Familiares De Pessoas Com Doenças Crônicas

“…15 Stressful life events are physical and/or psychological experiences that may represent significant changes in people's lives. 16 The literature shows that high demands for care and stressful life events deriving from care are related to the increased perception of burden 17 and psychological distress among family caregivers. 18 Social support is a multidimensional concept associated with the health of individuals.…”

Cancer patient age and family caregiver bereavement outcomes

“…Other patient characteristics, symptoms and emotional states have been shown to exacerbate caregiving and bereavement [10–13], and some studies imply patient age impact on caregiver outcomes, such as finding that both younger patients and younger caregivers are more distressed than older ones [14–15], and that caregiver quality of life reflects patient quality of life, both of which are related to age [16–18]. Finally, some studies indicate that demands more characteristic of the middle-aged (e.g., employment or children in the home) can exacerbate caregiver distress [19–20].…”