The quality of life of family caregivers of cancer patients in the east of Turkey

Abstract

Purpose: In this study, the aim was to examine the quality of life of family caregivers of cancer patients in the east of Turkey.

Method: The study design was descriptive. Data were collected by the researcher in Oncology-Hematology policlinic and Chemotherapy unit of Yakutiye Research Hospital of Atatürk University. Participants were 18 years old and older. The sample included 106 family caregivers who were living in the same flat with the patients during caregiving. Data were collected using a questionnaire that included sociodemographic questions for family caregivers and the World Health Organization Quality of Life-Short Form, Turkish Version (WHOQOL-BREF TR).

Results: The mean domain scores of WHOQOL-BREF(TR) were 70.12 (SD=19.24) for social, 68.26 (SD=20.10) for physical, 59.70 (SD=18.07) for psychological, 56.32 (SD=15.12) for national environment, and 53.87 (SD=16.99) for environment domains. About 71.7% of caregivers shared the caregiving process with someone else. Environmental domain scores of those who shared the caregiving process with someone else were higher. The environment domain scores of men (49.6, SD=17.1) were lower than those of women. As the income lowers, lowered, so did the quality of life score in every domain. The quality of life scores of those feeling unhealthy during the last two weeks were low in every domain.

Conclusion: Physical and psychological health of family caregivers in assisted living facilities should be comprehensively supported by professionals.