Relationship of Preparedness and Burden among Family Caregivers of Cancer Patients in India

Abstract

Introduction: Caregiving is a demanding physical and emotional journey, but most family caregivers assume the role with limited caregiving skills and few resources that may lead to increased levels of stress and feelings of inadequacy causing caregiver to view their role as burdensome. In an effort to understand the negative consequences of caregiving, the present study is aimed at finding the relationship of preparedness for caregiving and burden among family caregivers of cancer patients. Methods: An exploratory, co-relational, cross sectional survey assessed 225 eligible family caregivers of cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiation therapy in selected hospital of Punjab. Measures involved Socio demographic Data Sheet, Caregiver Reaction Assessment (CRA), and Preparedness for Caregiving Scale. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Independent t-test, ANOVA and Pearson’s correlation. Results: Preparedness for Caregiving had moderate negative correlation with burden at 0.01 level of significance (r= -0.531**). Female caregivers and those having sufficient unpaid help in caregiving responsibility had high level of perceived preparedness for caregiving. Burden was high in those caregivers who had no help in caregiving responsibility and belonged to other district (more distance from treatment center). Conclusion: Study concluded that low perceived Preparedness for Caregiving results in high burden. Oncology nurses should take the measures to increase the preparedness for caregiving among family caregiver of cancer patients. Study findings also warrant early assessments of caregiver preparedness so that supportive interventions may be targeted to the caregivers who are at risk of poor outcome.

Keywords: Preparedness for Caregiving, burden, family caregiver, cancer.