Correlates of depression and anxiety among family caregivers of pediatric patients with cancer in Lebanon.

BACKGROUND

Cancer diagnosis in the child is stressful for the family caregiver and could have a major impact on his/her mental health, including depression and anxiety, especially during the harsh current Lebanese economic crisis. This study aims at evaluating the correlates of depression and anxiety among family caregivers of pediatric cancer patients in Lebanon.

METHODS

It is a cross-sectional study, using a convenience sample of 193 caregivers of pediatric patients with cancer. Depression, anxiety, and work fatigue were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, Lebanese Anxiety Scale, and 3D-Work Fatigue Inventory respectively.

RESULTS

The results showed that 18.1 % of the participants have moderately severe depression, whereas 22.2 % show severe depression. Moreover, 79.8 % had anxiety. Having a shortage of medications (Beta = 2.38) and more mental work fatigue (Beta = 0.36) were significantly associated with more depression. Higher physical (Beta = 0.32) and mental (Beta = 0.37) work fatigue were significantly associated with more anxiety.

CONCLUSION

The study results should raise concerns and make physicians in Lebanon aware of the psychological status of the family caregivers and encourage them to provide adequate support. The results underscore the urgent need for advocacy to improve conditions for families and enhance access to care for children with cancer and their families.