Predictors of caregiver burden in Iranian family caregivers of cancer patients

Abstract

BACKGROUND:Caregiver burden threatens the psychological, emotional, functional and even physical health of caregivers. The aims of this study were to determine caregiver burden and family distress and the relationship between them, also to explore predictors of caregiver burden in a sample of Iranian family caregivers of cancer patients.MATERIALS AND METHODS:This is a cross-sectional study with correlational design. A total of 104 family caregivers of cancer patients were asked to respond to the Caregiver Burden Inventory (CBI) and the Family Distress Index (FDI) together with a sociodemographic questionnaire. For evaluating the relationship between CBI and FDI scores, the Pearson's product-moment correlation was used. In addition, multiple linear regression analysis was applied to explore the predictive factors of caregiver burden.RESULTS:A high burden was experienced by almost half of the caregivers (48.1%). The FDI mean score was 9.76 ± 5.40 ranged from 0 to 24. A strong positive correlation was found between the caregiver burden and family distress (r = 0.76). Multiple linear regression results showed the predictive role of FDI score (β = 0.71, P = 0.001), patient's gender (β = −0.25, P = 0.001), and early cancer diagnosis (β =0.13, P = 0.027) in caregiver burden. They could explain 65% of variance in the level of burden in family caregivers.CONCLUSION:Family nurses should consider the caregivers burden and vulnerability of families with cancer patient, especially if the patient is a male or has a new diagnosis. They should also design special programs for the whole family as a system that family can adapt to the new situation.

The role of family caregiver's sense of coherence and family adaptation determinants in predicting distress and caregiver burden in families of cancer patients

“…[ 11 ] In the present study, a valid and reliable Persian version of this index was used. [ 6 ] Cronbach's alpha coefficient of the instrument was 0.82 in our study.…”

“…[ 5 ] With respect to cancer patients' families, if they do not show resilience in the face of such crises, family distress will arise, exacerbating caregivers' burden. [ 6 ] The concept of family resilience was introduced by McCubbin and Patterson as an adaptation process, used by families, as a unit, to cope with a stressful situation. [ 4 ] Subsequently, McCubbin and McCubbin presented the Resiliency Model of Family Stress, Adjustment, and Adaptation in 1993.…”

Burden of Care in Caregivers of Iranian patients with chronic disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis

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Caregiver burden and quality of life among family caregivers of cancer patients on chemotherapy: A prospective observational study

“…Mirsoleymani et al . [ 10 ] conducted this study in cancer patients referred to the outpatient chemotherapy wards, using the caregiver burden inventory. In contrast, Lukhmana et al .…”