Burden of Care among Caregivers for Elderly Cancer Patients

Document Type : Scientific peer reviewed journal

Authors

1 M.Sc. of Community Health Nursing, , Faculty of Nursing - Benha University, Egypt

2 Community Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing - Benha University, Egypt

Abstract

 Background: Family caregivers play an essential role, usually unpaid, in caring for patients with
cancer. Older patients with cancer are cared for by a family member, who may not be prepared for
the challenges.
Aim of study: Was to assess burden of care among caregivers for elderly cancer
patients.
Research design: A descriptive research design was utilized to conduct this study. Setting:
This study was conducted at Oncology Out-Patient Clinic in Benha University Hospital for caregivers
with cancer patients.
Sample: Simple random sample were used. The total numbers of study sample
were 261 caregivers accompted by cancer patient were be taken randomly.
Tools of data collection:
Two tools were used First tool: A Structured interviewing questionnaire, which covers the following
parts
Part I-A: socio Demographic data of studied caregivers. B: socio Demographic data of patients.
Part II: Knowledge of caregivers regarding cancer. Part IV: Practices of caregivers regarding
cancer
. Second tool: The Zarit Caregiver Burden Scale. Results: 67.8% of the studied caregivers
had average knowledge about cancer. 52.1% of the studied caregivers had satisfactory practices score
regarding to care of their cancer patients. 82.8% of the studied caregivers had high burden of care.
Conclusion: There was a great impact on elderly cancerous patients' relatives. There was statistically
significant difference relation between total caregivers burden of care and total practices (P<0.05).
That means when caregivers practices increase the burden of care increase.
Recommendations:
Health educational program should be developed and implemented for the caregivers to educate them
about the caring early warning signs and symptoms of cancer complications.
 

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