Highlights
- •No effect of treatment phase and little effect of cancer type on caregivers' quality-of-life.
- •Importance of supporting caregivers during both active treatment and follow-up.
- •Role of emotional distress, supportive care and age in caregivers' quality-of-life.
Abstract
Introduction
The existing literature shows a significant impact of cancer on caregivers' quality
of life (QoL) and divergent results according to associated factors. To better understand
the experience of cancer patients' caregivers, the present study aimed at comparing
caregivers’ QoL according to cancer care pathway and type of cancer, and at identifying
the factors associated with their QoL.
Methods
Caregivers were included in the study either during chemotherapy or follow-up to assess
their QoL (CARGOQoL), unmet supportive care needs (SCNS–P&C), and anxiety and depression
levels (HADS). CARGOQoL scores were then compared using ANOVA or Mann-Whitney non-parametric
tests (objective 1). Based on univariate analyses, a multivariate analysis of covariance
or linear regression model was performed for each CARGOQoL dimension (objective 2).
Results
Among 583 participants (57.29% included during the follow-up phase), 523 completed
the questionnaires. There was no effect of treatment phase and little effect of cancer
site or disease stage on caregivers' QoL. Although significant factors associated
with caregivers' QoL varied according to the dimensions assessed, the main associated
factors were psychological experience (p < 0.05), satisfaction with the patient's care and supportive care needs (p < 0.01), and age of the patient or caregiver (p < 0.005).
Conclusion
This study shows the necessity to support caregivers during both active treatment
and follow-up. It highlights the crucial role of emotional distress, supportive care
and age in caregivers' QoL, regardless of the patients’ oncological status.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Accepted:
March 10,
2023
Received in revised form:
March 3,
2023
Received:
October 28,
2022
Publication stage
In Press Accepted ManuscriptIdentification
Copyright
© 2023 Published by Elsevier Ltd.
