Survey of diet and meal preparation by Japanese bereaved caregivers for terminal cancer patients followed at home
10.2512/jspm.10.238
- VernacularTitle:在宅療養をしていた終末期がん患者の介護者の食事・調理に関する負担感に関する調査
- Author:
Takuya Shinjo
;
Yusuke Stoh
;
Akihiro Ishikawa
;
Masahiro Goshima
;
Masako Sakamoto
;
Yuri Morimoto
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
cancer;
diet;
caregiver
- From:Palliative Care Research
2015;10(4):238-244
- CountryJapan
- Language:Japanese
-
Abstract:
The aim of this study was to clarify diet and meal preparation for terminal cancer patients followed at home. A cross-sectional survey was administered to bereaved caregivers of 200 cancer patients who received home care from five palliative care clinics in Kobe in 2014. The response rate was 66% and the average age of the caregivers was 62 years. Overall, 57% of caregivers reported distress regarding diet and meal preparation for patients. The independent determinants of distress were: the experience of coaching from medical staff (P=0.012); how to help patients with eating; difficulties in cooking and meal preparation (P=0.001); and helping with eating for anorexic patients (P=0.004). Due to the paucity of the evidence about diet and meal preparation for cancer patients, caregivers may not be receiving sufficient specific and practical dietary instruction from medical staff.