Health and Well-Being Needs Among Head and Neck Cancer Caregivers – A Systematic Review

Abstract

Objective: This review provides a summary of the current understanding of the health and well-being of the head and neck cancer (HNC) caregiver. Our goal is to understand the healthcare needs required by the caregivers of our oncologic patients, which may ultimately influence quality of care and support that cancer patients require during treatment and recovery. Methods: Independent database searches were conducted to identify articles describing HNC caregiver health and healthcare utilization. Search terms included key synonyms for head and neck cancer, caregiver, psychological stress, anxiety, depression, mental health service, and delivery of healthcare in the title/abstract. Results: After following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) Protocol, a total of 21 studies were included. Among the 21 studies in the review, a total of 1745 caregivers were included. The average age was 57 years, the majority were female (58%-100%), and spouses/partners of the patients (77%). The literature demonstrates significant anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and physical health decline in addition to multifaceted unmet physical and mental health needs among HNC caregivers. Conclusion: There is no standard for examining HNC caregiver healthcare needs, while there is evidence of increased healthcare utilization. The literature is limited regarding medical burdens faced by caregivers. Future research is needed to assess the physical health and comorbidities of HNC caregivers and their engagement with the healthcare system to guide further implementation of support models to address the needs of this population.

Psychological Survivorship in Head and Neck Cancer

“…In addition, reviews on the topic highlight the disproportionate number of female caregivers compared with males. 71 The use of screening tools may be helpful adjuncts to assess caregiver burnout. The Caregiver Strain Index and Caregiver Quality of Life Index are two tools previously used to assess caregiver burden in the head and neck cancer population.…”

“…In addition, reviews on the topic highlight the disproportionate number of female caregivers compared with males. 71…”

Notes on Surviving Head and Neck Cancer: Paving the Road Ahead

“…Seek appropriate mental health support, because surviving HNC leaves a trail of tears in your mind and body, often resulting in some type of PTSD. [5] Aspiration pneumonia awareness. This is common among HNC survivors.…”

Understanding the challenges and need for support of informal caregivers to individuals with head and neck cancer - A basis for developing internet-based support

“…There are several studies measuring ICs' well-being regarding caregiver burden (e.g. Benyo et al, 2022;Wang et al, 2021;Castellanos et al, 2019;Thana et al, 2020). Caregiver burden can be described as a multidimensional biopsychosocial reaction resulting from an imbalance between care demands and a caregiver's care resources (Given et al, 2001).…”

“…Caregiver burden can be described as a multidimensional biopsychosocial reaction resulting from an imbalance between care demands and a caregiver's care resources (Given et al, 2001). It has previously been described that ICs of individuals with HNC often report depression, fatigue and sleep disturbance due to the caregiver burden they experience (Benyo et al, 2022). A systematic review performed by Wang et al (2021) identified unmet needs among ICs of individuals with HNC regarding information about the illness and its treatment.…”