Burdens among Caregivers of Older Adults with Advanced Cancer and Risk Factors

Abstract

Family caregivers of older cancer patients face many challenges in managing illness. The burden impactsphysical, emotional, spiritual, and social health. The objective of this study was to identify burden amongcaregivers of older patients with advanced cancer, and associated factors. Materials and <br/><b>Methods</b>: Caregiversof older cancer patients were randomly interviewed from March-September 2012. Information on baselinecharacteristics and caregiver burden using the Zarit Burden Inventory (ZBI) was collected. Descriptive statisticswere used to analyze baseline data, with univariate and multiple linear regression to analyze factors associatedwith higher burden. <br/><b>Results</b>: One hundred and fifty participants were assessed. The mean ZBI was 19.2±12.9(95%CI, 17.1, 21.2). Two-thirds of caregivers reported no burden (63%) and the main impact variable on ZBIwas guilt. High burdens were associated with single caregiver, relationship with the patient as siblings, presenceof migraines, and cancer types of the patients. <br/><b>Conclusions</b>: Caregiver burden of Thai cancer patients is low.This unexpected small number could be the result of the socio-cultural viewpoint. Assessment of caregivers andfocusing on related factors should be incorporated into treatment plans.