Assessment of Health-Related Quality of Life and its Associated Factors in Family Caregivers of Children with Lymphoma at a National Hospital in Central Malawi

Abstract

Background: The health-related quality of life (HRQoL) HRQoL continues to be understudied among family caregivers with chronically ill children especially in developing countries like Malawi. Aim: This study aimed to assess health-related quality of life and determine the sociodemographic factors associated with the health-related quality of life of caregivers of children with lymphoma at a referral hospital in Malawi. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out at a referral hospital in Malawi, and 107 caregivers were recruited. The Medical Outcomes Study Questionnaire 36-Item Short Form was used to collect data which were analysed using SPSS Version 25. Results: All 107 targeted participants were assessed. Both the physical health component and the mental health component mean scores were low (M=50.63, SD=11.86 and M=45.51, SD=11.95, respectively). Time since diagnosis of the child's cancer accounted for significant differences in both the physical and mental heal