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Factors associated with quality of life among family caregivers of terminally ill cancer patients
Author(s) -
Choi Youn Seon,
Hwang Sun Wook,
Hwang In Cheol,
Lee Yong Ju,
Kim Young Sung,
Kim Hyo Min,
Youn Chang Ho,
Ahn Hong Yup,
Koh SuJin
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
psycho‐oncology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.41
H-Index - 137
eISSN - 1099-1611
pISSN - 1057-9249
DOI - 10.1002/pon.3904
Subject(s) - quality of life (healthcare) , medicine , social support , distress , emotional distress , palliative care , coping (psychology) , family caregivers , cancer , gerontology , cross sectional study , clinical psychology , multilevel model , psychology , anxiety , psychiatry , nursing , pathology , psychotherapist , machine learning , computer science
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. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.