Predictors of distress in caregivers of persons with a primary malignant brain tumor

Abstract

The purpose of this cross-sectional, descriptive study was to identify predictors of distress for family caregivers of persons with a primary malignant brain tumor (PMBT). The effect of the care recipient's functional, cognitive, and neuropsychiatric status on caregiver burden and depressive symptoms was examined through telephone interviews with 95 caregivers. Care recipients' neuropsychiatric status consistently affected caregivers' depressive symptoms and burden, and assisting with activities of daily living affected burden related to caregivers' schedules and health. The care recipient's cognitive status and need for assistance with instrumental activities of daily living did not affect any outcome variable. Results may help identify caregivers at risk for negative outcomes, and suggest interventions to improve caregivers' emotional health.

Cognitive dysfunction in patients with brain metastases: influences on caregiver resilience and coping

“…Cognitive deficits create care demands for the caregivers and increase the number of tasks with which the caregiver must render assistance. In patients with primary brain tumors, cognitive dysfunction has been consistently linked to increased caregiver demands [46] and when compared with functional status, cognitive status was found to be a much stronger predictor of caregiver burden [47].…”

A study of patients with a primary malignant brain tumour and their carers: symptoms and access to services

“…Cognitive changes result in short-term memory loss, reduced attention, personality changes and altered mood (Weitzner, 1999). In an interview study of 95 caregivers of people with a PMBT, Sherwood et al (2006) report many concerns such as worries about short-term memory problems, and patients' diffi culties in making decisions. In another study the most commonly reported neuropsychiatric symptoms were depression, irritability, night time disturbances, apathy and hallucinations (Klein et al, 2001).…”

Assessing the quality of life among caregivers of patients with gliomas

“…3 Also, glioma patients frequently develop a loss of independence. When compared with other cancer populations, glioma patients have higher rates of dependent status, 29 and their need for assistance with activities of daily living such as dressing, walking inside the home, and bathing increases the burden on their caregivers. 29 Difficulties with daily activities are less frequently reported by others caregivers.…”

“…When compared with other cancer populations, glioma patients have higher rates of dependent status, 29 and their need for assistance with activities of daily living such as dressing, walking inside the home, and bathing increases the burden on their caregivers. 29 Difficulties with daily activities are less frequently reported by others caregivers. 30 Certainly, a high burden has already been associated with caring for family members with complex care needs.…”

“…In fact, patients' dependencies with these activities seemed to be the primary cause for their caregivers' exhaustion. 29 When analyzing this point, we have to take into account the specificity of the French medical system; results for the administration and finances dimension may be different in nongovernmental health care systems. All dimensions scores of the CarGOQoL and the SF36 range from 0 to 100: the higher the score, the better the quality of life.…”