Factors Associated with Care Burden among Family Caregivers of Terminally Ill Cancer Patients.
10.14475/kjhpc.2016.19.1.61
- Author:
Jee Hye LEE
1
;
Hyun Kyung PARK
;
In Cheol HWANG
;
Hyo Min KIM
;
Su Jin KOH
;
Young Sung KIM
;
Yong Joo LEE
;
Youn Seon CHOI
;
Sun Wook HWANG
;
Hong Yup AHN
Author Information
1. Department of Family Medicine, Gachon University Gil Medical Center, Incheon, Korea. spfe0211@hanmail.net
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Cost of illness;
Caregivers;
Neoplasms;
Palliative care
- MeSH:
Caregivers*;
Cost of Illness;
Humans;
Korea;
Life Style;
Logistic Models;
Odds Ratio;
Palliative Care;
Terminally Ill*
- From:Korean Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care
2016;19(1):61-69
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
PURPOSE: It is important to alleviate care burden for terminal cancer patients and their families. This study investigated the factors associated with care burden among family caregivers (FCs) of terminally ill cancer patients. METHODS: We analyzed data from 289 FCs of terminal cancer patients who were admitted to palliative care units of seven medical centers in Korea. Care burden was assessed using the Korean version of Caregiver Reaction Assessment (CRA) scale which comprises five domains. A multivariate logistic regression model with stepwise variable selection was used to identify factors associated with care burden. RESULTS: Diverse associating factors were identified in each CRA domain. Emotional factors had broad influence on care burden. FCs with emotional distress were more likely to experience changes to their daily routine (adjusted odds ratio (aOR), 2.54; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.29~5.02), lack of family support (aOR, 2.27; 95% CI, 1.04~4.97) and health issues (aOR, 5.44; 2.50~11.88). Family functionality clearly reflected a lack of support, and severe family dysfunction was linked to financial issues as well. FCs without religion or comorbid conditions felt more burdened. The caregiving duration and daily caregiving hours significantly predicted FCs' lifestyle changes and physical burden. FCs who were employed, had weak social support or could not visit frequently, had a low self-esteem. CONCLUSION: This study indicates that it is helpful to understand FCs' emotional status and family functions to assess their care burden. Thus, efforts are needed to lessen their financial burden through social support systems.
