Variation in health literacy among family caregiver communication types

Abstract

Objective Previously, four caregiver types have been identified as a result of communication patterns between patient and caregiver, revealing unique caregiver information needs and preferences. The purpose of this study was to explore variation in health literacy among the four family caregiver communication types: manager, partner, carrier, and lone caregivers. Methods The sample consisted of 115 cancer caregivers. Participants completed the Family Caregiver Communication Tool and the Health Literacy of Caregivers Scale‐Cancer. Results A significant difference in health literacy domains was found between caregiver types for cancer‐related communication with the care recipient (P = .038) and understanding of the health care system (P = .003). Of the health literacy domains, mean scores were highest on understanding the health care system for both lone and carrier caregivers. Manager and partner caregivers were highest on the social support domain. The self‐care domain was lowest for the carrier, lone, and manager caregivers. Conclusions There was a variation across health literacy domains among caregiver communication types, further validating the Family Caregiver Communication Typology. Findings showed a need for educational programs for cancer caregivers to strengthen their health literacy skills. As cancer caregivers have a prominent role in the delivery and quality of cancer care, it is pivotal for health care centers to provide caregiver communication training and support.

Quality of Life in Caregivers of Cancer Patients: A Literature Review

“…The total sample comprised 7663 people caregivers with an average age of 54.42 years. However, it must be highlighted that 10 studies did not describe average age [ 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 ]. With regard to sex, 66.72% of caregivers were women.…”

“…With regard to sex, 66.72% of caregivers were women. As for family bonds, 15 studies described these caregivers as being mostly spouses or daughters/sons of the patients with cancer, usually sharing the same home [ 22 , 23 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 , 30 , 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 , 37 , 38 , 39 ].…”

“…At an emotional level, 26 studies [ 22 , 23 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 , 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 , 38 , 40 , 41 , 42 , 43 , 44 , 45 , 46 , 47 , 48 , 49 , 50 , 51 , 52 ] alluded to the emotional and psychological problems suffered by caregivers, highlighting anxiety, depression, feelings of grief and distress, and high levels of stress. Therefore, showing that, the longer the care was needed over time, the greater the tension and emotional burden, resulting in worse quality of life.…”

“…Four studies [ 22 , 24 , 44 , 48 ] highlighted the need of training properly health professionals on existential and spiritual distress management, as well as the need to identify groups at risk and reassigning tasks among all family members. One study [ 26 ] described that health professionals require cultural awareness in order to properly meet the needs of caregivers.…”

“…The total sample was made up of 7663 caregivers, 66.72% were women. In this sense, most studies coincide in stating that there are more women caregivers of patients with cancer than men [ 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 29 , 30 , 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 , 37 , 38 , 39 , 40 , 41 , 42 , 43 , 44 , 45 , 46 , 47 , 48 , 49 , 50 , 51 , 52 , 53 , 54 , 55 , 56 , 57 ]. This data met the results obtained by other authors outside this review, such as Martínez et al [ 58 ] who conducted research to define the burden of caregivers of patients with head and neck cancer, concluded that the profile consisted of 81% women.…”