Predictors of depression and anxiety among caregivers of hospitalised advanced cancer patients

Abstract

The study showed that individuals with low cognitive flexibility levels are more likely to have depressive and anxiety symptoms. Based on our findings, we opine that evaluations of caregivers' cognitive strategies and social support are needed to determine the risk of depression in caregivers of cancer patients.

Social support as predictor of anxiety and depression in cancer caregivers six months after cancer diagnosis: A longitudinal study

“…First, the sample size was limited, and the sample included patients with different cancer types. Despite the possible influence of these circumstances, the results obtained are similar to those observed in previous studies with similar characteristics, bigger sample sizes and a wide variety of cancer types Karabekiroğlu et al, 2018;Lambert et al, 2013). On the other hand, our response rate was relatively low and that may affect the generalisability of our results, even though the rate is similar to that in previous research on caregivers .…”

“…A relationship between social support and psychological well-being, including anxiety and depression, has been consistently reported in recent years in various populations and cancer patients, including cancer caregivers (Applebaum et al, 2014;Karabekiroğlu et al, 2018;Li & Loke, 2013;Thoits, 2010Thoits, , 2011. There is little information, however, about the evolution and predictive utility of different domains of social support for anxiety and depression in caregivers during the first six months after their partner's cancer diagnosis, following Thoits (2010) conceptualisation of social support in a multidimensional way that involves different domains.…”

“…Previous research has shown that caregivers may experience more emotional distress compared with the general population and cancer patients Karabekiroğlu et al, 2018). Variables related to the presence of anxiety and depression include demographic ones (younger age and being female), characteristics of the patient's illness (disease stage and poor symptom burden) and low levels of social support (Karabekiroğlu et al, 2018;Pitceathly & Maguire, 2003;Price et al, 2010;Reblin, Small, Jim, Weimer, & Sherwood, 2018). Higher levels of social support may have benefits for the psychological well-being of caregivers in the six-month interval following diagnosis (Longacre, Ridge, Burtness, Galloway, & Fang, 2012).…”

“…The increasing number of cancer diagnoses around the world in recent years brings new challenges, not only to patients but also to the caregivers who face new tasks and duties (Geng et al, ). The term cancer caregiver can be defined as a close friend or relative who has a personal relationship with the patient and provides a wide range of assistance, from psychological to physical help, often without any previous training (Girgis et al, ; Karabekiroğlu, Demir, Aker, Kocamanoğlu, & Karabulut, ). Their new role may involve assisting with everyday activities, taking on more familial responsibilities and in some cases managing the illness routines of the patient (Girgis & Lambert, ).…”

The empowerment of all modalities against cancer

“…She shared many concerns -her lack of confidence about looking after her father as he became more dependent, his ambivalence about the advance medical directive and fears that his end journey would be filled with pain and suffering. In this issue of the SMJ, Karabekiroğlu et al's study (1) reminded us of a commonly underemphasised dimension of managing cancer patients -paying attention to the caregiver, who often undergoes more psychosocial stress and burnout than the patient. The context of this study, set in Turkish society, also highlights the psychosocial and cultural nuances of patient-caregiver dynamics.…”