Quality of life and burden in family caregivers of patients with advanced cancer in active treatment settings and hospice care: A comparative study

Death Stud. 2017 May-Jun;41(5):276-283. doi: 10.1080/07481187.2016.1273277. Epub 2016 Dec 16.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate caregiver burden and quality of life (QoL) in active treatment settings and hospice care for 76 family caregivers of advanced cancer patients, using the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form and the Caregiver Burden Inventory. Compared to the active group, the hospice group reported significantly lower QoL scores in mental component summary score and higher scores in general health subscale and in physical component summary score. Future research needs to further investigate the complexities of caregivers' needs, especially in the emotional and mental domains, and offer effective, clinically proven interventions.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Caregivers / psychology*
  • Cost of Illness*
  • Female
  • Hospice Care / psychology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasms / psychology*
  • Outcome Assessment, Health Care
  • Quality of Life*
  • Young Adult