Psychiatric Morbidity, Caregiver Burden, and Quality of Life Among Caregivers of Patients With Cancer: A Cross-Sectional Study From a Tertiary Care Center in India.

BACKGROUND

Cancer is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide and has a profound psychological impact not only on patients but also on their caregivers. Caregivers often experience significant emotional distress, including anxiety, depression, and caregiver burden, which may adversely affect their quality of life.

METHODS

A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted over six months (January 2021 to June 2021) at the Radiation Oncology Department of SSG Hospital, Vadodara, India. A total of 400 caregivers of cancer patients were recruited. Data were collected using a structured proforma. Caregiver burden was assessed using the Zarit Burden Interview, and quality of life was assessed using the Caregiver Quality of Life Index-Cancer (CQOLC). Psychiatric morbidity was assessed through clinical interviews, and diagnoses of depression and anxiety were made based on DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition) criteria. Severity was further evaluated using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale and Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale.

RESULTS

Among 400 caregivers, 42% were diagnosed with depression and 18% with anxiety based on clinical evaluation. A substantial proportion of caregivers experienced caregiver burden, with 40% reporting mild to severe levels. The mean caregiver burden score was 19.18 ± 12.28, and the mean quality-of-life score was 98.03 ± 12.46, indicating moderate impairment. Caregiver burden was significantly associated with sociodemographic variables and illness-related factors, including advanced stage of cancer.

CONCLUSION

Caregivers of cancer patients experience substantial psychological distress, caregiver burden, and reduced quality of life. These findings highlight the need for routine psychological screening and structured psychosocial interventions targeting caregivers as an integral component of comprehensive cancer care.