Impact of Cancer on Primary Caregivers of Patients Receiving Radiation Therapy

• Published in: Acta oncologica Vol. 40; no. 6; pp. 766 - 771
• Main Author: Iconomou, Anna Viha, Haralabos P. Kalofonos, Dimitris Kardamakis, Gregoris
• Format: Journal Article Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: Basingstoke Informa UK Ltd 2001; Taylor & Francis
• Subjects: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Anxiety; Biological and medical sciences; Caregivers - psychology; Depression; Family Health; Female; Humans; Interpersonal Relations; Male; Medical sciences; Middle Aged; Miscellaneous; Neoplasms - radiotherapy; Public health. Hygiene; Public health. Hygiene-occupational medicine; Radiotherapy; Radiotherapy. Instrumental treatment. Physiotherapy. Reeducation. Rehabilitation, orthophony, crenotherapy. Diet therapy and various other treatments (general aspects); Stress, Psychological; Greece; Europe; Mood disorder; Social environment; Human; Caregiver; Depression; Malignant tumor; Psychological effect; Radiotherapy; Quality of life; Ethics; Treatment; Familial relation; Anxiety; Cultural aspect
• ISSN: 0284-186X; 1651-226X
• DOI: 10.1080/02841860152619205

The main objective of this study was to assess the consequences of caregiving on primary caregivers of Greek cancer patients receiving radiotherapy. Sixty-five caregivers participated in the study and data were collected through structured interviews. Our results pointed to a lack of association concerning extent of patients' disease, treatment schedule, performance status or awareness of diagnosis. However, female caregivers with low qualifications, partners, and those living with the patient were more likely to report heightened symptoms of anxiety and depression, severe impact of caregiving on their lives, poor health and low quality of life. In addition, it was shown through multivariate analyses that psychological distress was the sole predictor of overall health and global quality of life. In conclusion, Greek caregivers are to a great extent affected by the disease. Caring for significant others is essential to promoting quality of life for the family and the patient.