Predicting Complicated Grief in Caregivers of End-of-Life Cancer Patients

Abstract

ObjectivesPersistent Complex Bereavement Disorder (PCBD) is an independent clinical condition characterized by a severe grief reaction lasting more than twelve months after the loss of a loved one. This study aimed to assess the rate of PCBD among caregivers of end-of-life patients. The secondary aim was to explore the role of several risk factors for PCBD, including psychosocial characteristics of both patients and caregivers, patients' dignity-related distress, attachment style, and perceived social support as well as symptoms of depression, anxiety, and perceived stress of caregivers.MethodsThis was a prospective, multicenter and national study involving twelve Italian palliative care units. The sample consisted of 139 cancer patient-caregiver dyads. For each participant a set of rating scales was administered.ResultsIn line with the literature, only a minority of caregivers experienced PCBD (6.47%). Younger caregiver age and higher pre-loss depression levels significantly predicted PCBD six months after the patient's death.

Keywords: cancer patients; caregivers; death; end-of-life; palliative care; prolonged grief disorder.