Support service use and interest in support services among distressed family caregivers of lung cancer patients

Abstract

Objective This study examined support service use and interest in support services among distressed family caregivers of patients recently entering a comprehensive cancer care facility. Methods Primary family caregivers of lung cancer patients (N = 83) were recruited from three medical centers within 12 weeks of the patient’s new visit to the oncology clinic. All family caregivers were screened for psychological distress and those reporting significant anxiety or depressive symptoms were eligible for this study. Caregivers completed a baseline assessment of support service use (i.e., use of mental health services and complementary and alternative medicine [CAM]) and interest in support services. Support service use was also assessed three months later. Results Although all caregivers reported clinically meaningful distress, only 26% used mental health and 39% used CAM services during the 3-month study period. Patients’ receipt of chemotherapy was positively associated with caregivers’ mental health service use, whereas greater education and receiving assistance with caregiving tasks were associated with CAM use. Forty percent of caregivers who did not use CAM at baseline were interested in CAM. In addition, 29% of caregivers who did not receive mental health services at baseline were interested in professional psychosocial support, and 29% of caregivers who did not receive staff assistance with practical needs at baseline were interested in this service. Conclusions Findings suggest that distressed family caregivers of lung cancer patients underuse mental health services and that a sizable minority are interested in professional help with psychosocial and practical needs.

Family caregiving challenges in advanced colorectal cancer: patient and caregiver perspectives

“…Second, findings underscore the need for research addressing emotional aspects of caring for a relative with cancer. Although rates of significant distress are high among caregivers of colorectal and other cancer patients [8–11], their rates of mental health service use are generally low [10,29]. Caregivers’ underuse of mental health services may be related to their preoccupation with caregiving responsibilities, financial strain, and stigma associated with service use [30].…”

Randomized Pilot Trial of a Telephone Symptom Management Intervention for Symptomatic Lung Cancer Patients and Their Family Caregivers

“…14–18 Up to 50% of family caregivers of lung cancer patients experience significant anxiety or depressive symptoms. 14, 19–22 Greater caregiver distress has been related to greater caregiving burden and lower self-efficacy in assisting the patient with symptom management. 12, 23 Caregivers of lung cancer patients have reported difficulty with caregiving tasks such as providing emotional support and monitoring symptoms.…”

A Qualitative Analysis of “Naturalistic” Conversations in a Peer-Led Online Support Community for Lung Cancer

“…20 Although the psychological impact of lung cancer on support persons is high, their use of social support services is low. 21 Our knowledge of support needs of patients and support persons dealing with lung cancer has been described as fragmentary, and less empirical attention has focused patients' and support persons' needs in daily living with lung cancer. 3 To help meet their needs in daily living, individuals commonly seek the Internet for health information and social support.…”