Background & Aims
Palliative care involves a collaborative effort between caregivers and patients to enhance the patient’s quality of life. Unfortunately, caregivers, despite being seemingly healthy, are often overlooked. They prioritize their patients’ well-being over their own mental and physical health, neglecting the crucial connection between a healthy mind and body. This selflessness, though burdensome, may paradoxically harm the patient’s quality of life rather than enhance it.
AIM- To assess the burden of palliative care on family caregivers of cancer patients and its association with quality of life of cancer patients.
Methods
The study enrolled 169 participants meeting inclusion criteria at palliative pain clinic in Safdarjung hospital. Patients were verbally questioned in their language, and responses were recorded by the attending physician. Caregivers burden and depressive symptoms were assessed using scales such as Burden Scale for Family Caregiver, Zarit Burden Interview and CES-D scale, while patient evaluation utilised the FACT-G score for Quality of Life.
Results
In our study, a majority of caregivers (50.89%) experienced a moderate burden (BSFC score 42-55), while only 8.88% had severe to very severe burden (56-84). ZBI results indicated 43.79% of caregivers reported mild to moderate burden, validating both objective and subjective burden assessments. In contrast, the mean CES-D score was significantly low at 16.14 ± 4.21. Assessing patients’ QOL using FACT-G revealed mean scores for physical, social, emotional, and functional well-being, along with a total score of 59.05 ± 12.29. A highly significant negative correlation (p<0.05) was observed between BSFC and FACT-G. Total FACT-G scores decreased from 69.72 ± 9.07 (BSFC 0-41) to 53.72 ± 7.5 (BSFC 42-55) and 41.2 ± 2.91 (BSFC 56-84), indicating a substantial impact on QOL with increasing caregiver burden (p<0.0001).
Conclusions
Our study affirmed our hypothesis, indicating a negative correlation between caregivers’ burden and the quality of life for cancer patients. As the burden on caregivers intensifies, the well-being of patients diminishes. To address this, general practitioners should implement timely home visits, telephonic support, and periodic counseling for caregivers. Additionally, involving volunteers from the community in facilitating discussions among caregivers can contribute to a supportive network, enhancing the overall living conditions for both caregivers and patients.
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Presenting Author
Deepa Kerketta Khurana
Poster Authors
Dr. Oshien Bhanu
MBBS MD ANAESTHESIA
VMMC &SJH NEW DELHI
Lead Author
Dr. Madhu Dayal
MBBS MD ANAESTHESIA
VMMC& SJH NEW DELHI
Lead Author
Dr. Saveena Gulati Raheja
MBBS MD ANAESTHESIA
VMMC& SJH NEW DELHI
Lead Author
Dr. Vandana Talwar
MBBS MD ANAESTHESIA
VMMC& SJH NEW DELHI
Lead Author
Dr. Dimple Pande
MBBS MD ANAESTHETIC
VMMC& SJH NEW DELHI
Lead Author
Dr. Deepa Kerketta Khurana
VMMC& SJH NEW DELHI
Lead Author
Dr. Sujata Chaudhary
MBBS MD ANAESTHESIA
VMMC& SJH NEW DELHI
Lead Author
Topics
- Specific Pain Conditions/Pain in Specific Populations: Cancer Pain & Palliative Care