Factors associated with quality of life among family caregivers of terminally ill cancer patients

Youn Seon Choi, Sun Wook Hwang, In Cheol Hwang, Yong Ju Lee, Young Sung Kim, Hyo Min Kim, Chang Ho Youn, Hong Yup Ahn, Su Jin Koh

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

43 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Objective Limited research has examined the quality of life (QOL) and its correlates among family caregivers (FCs) during the final stage of terminal cancer. The purpose of this study was to investigate the determinants of overall QOL and its subdomains among Korean FCs at the very end of life. Methods For this cross-sectional study, we enrolled 299 FCs of terminal cancer patients from seven palliative care units. To assess FCs' QOL and its predictors, we used the Caregiver Quality Of Life Index-Cancer, which contains four domains. Possible determinants of caregiver QOL were categorized into patient, caregiver, and environmental factors. A multiple regression model was used to identify factors associated with FCs' QOL. Results Variance in each Caregiver Quality Of Life Index-Cancer domain was explained by different factors. FCs of younger patient felt more burden but were more likely to adapt positively. Emotional distress of FCs was strongly associated with total QOL, burdensomeness, and disruptiveness. Positive adaptation was related to more visits for care, FCs' religiousness, more social support, and satisfactory perceived quality of care. Financial concerns were more likely in married FCs, FCs with less social support, or low incomes. Conclusion Emotional distress of FCs was the most important factor determining the overall and negative aspects of FCs' QOL, whereas various environmental factors were associated with positive coping. Appropriate support programs directed at these factors are needed to maintain and improve FCs' QOL.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)217-224
Number of pages8
JournalPsycho-Oncology
Volume25
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2016 Feb 1
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Experimental and Cognitive Psychology
  • Oncology
  • Psychiatry and Mental health

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