Caregiver Burden in Caring for Family Members with Cancer in the Makkah Region, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background

The present study aimed to assess the caregiving burden among family caregivers of adult patients with various cancer types and stages in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), and to examine the associations with caregiver and patient characteristics. Materials and

Methods

A cross-sectional study involving 212 family caregivers of cancer patients was conducted between March and April 2024 at King Abdullah Medical City in Makkah, KSA. The Arabic version of the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI) scale was used to assess overall and specific burdens. Associations between overall burden and sociodemographic variables were analyzed using significance tests.

Results

Over half (55%) of participants experienced burden, with a mean ZBI score of 26.33 ± 16.86, indicating a mild to moderate level. Low levels of psychological (7.34 ± 5.41), social (2.27 ± 2.93), physical (1.96 ± 2.22), and financial (1.22 ± 1.41) burdens were found. Financial difficulties and patient immobility significantly contributed to higher burden scores. Caregivers with financial hardships scored higher (31 ± 14.8 vs. 24 ± 17.3, p = 0.01), and those caring for bedridden patients experienced greater burdens (38 ± 21.8 vs. 18 ± 12.5, p = 0.001).

Conclusions

Although financial difficulties and patient immobility significantly contribute to caregiver burden, the overall burden in the Makkah region remains relatively moderate. Strong cultural and familial support systems in KSA may alleviate challenges, yet coping strategies targeting financial and physical burdens are necessary.