Factors Affecting the Burden and Quality of Life of Caregivers for Gynecological Cancer Patients

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the care burden and quality of life of caregivers of patients with gynecologic cancer. Material and Methods: This descriptive study was conducted with 251 individuals who provided care to patients with gynecologic cancer in gynecologic oncology services of a university hospital and a state oncology hospital. The data were collected by a semi-structured questionnaire form, Caregiver Burden Inventory (CBI), and Quality of Life Family Version. Results: The mean age of the participants was 39.76 ± 14.20; 79.3% of them were female, 65.3% were married, 28.7% were high school graduates, 57.4% were employed and 56.2% were unemployed before starting care, 91.2% had health insurance, 58.6% perceived their income as moderate, and 57% had relatives of the patient receiving care. Care burden was statistically significant in terms of gender, marital status, educational level, and degree of affinity with the patient (P < .005). The correlation between caregivers’ quality of life, gender, health insurance, income status, and the degree of affinity with the patient was statistically significant (P < .005). Conclusion: As a result of this study, it was determined that some socio-demographic characteristics of the caregivers of patients with gynecologic cancer affected the care burden and quality of life.