Frequency and predictors of caregiver burden among patients with cancer receiving palliative cancer treatment.

PURPOSE: Assess the frequency of caregiver burden among patients with advanced cancer receiving palliative anticancer treatment. Compare characteristics of those who show caregiver burden versus those who do not.

METHODS/PATIENTS: This is a cross-sectional study in two university hospital oncology departments. Caregivers completed the Reduced Zarit Burden Interview and Emotional Distress Thermometer. Data were analyzed to identify factors associated with caregiver burden.

RESULTS

79 informal primary caregivers participated, mostly women (65%, N = 51), middle-aged (median 57, SD = 9), employed (54%), and spouses (58%, N = 46). Most had medium economic status (70%, N = 55), no other dependents (51%, N = 40), support from other caregivers (56%, N = 44), and good self-rated health (82%, N = 65). Caregiver burden affected 61% (N = 48), more often women (p = 0.049), those with high stress (p = 0.001), and when more people were involved in patient care (p = 0.048).

CONCLUSIONS

Caregiver burden is common in informal primary caregivers of patients with advanced cancer receiving palliative treatment, especially in highly stressed women.