The Quality of Life amongst Caregivers of Cancer Patients at Tertiary Care Centers in Lahore, Pakistan

Abstract

Background and Objective: Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide and is initiating an overburden in developing countries. A grave illness, such as cancer, not only affects lives of patients, but also the lives of their caregivers. A caregiver nurtures continuous support, responsibility, concern and care hence, undergoes immense psychological distress because of the fear of losing their loved one, thus affecting their own quality of life (QOL). The study aims to assess the QOL of caregivers of cancer patients by using the World Health Organization Quality of Life Instrument (WHOQOL BREF) Questionnaire. Methods: This cross-sectional study of caregivers of cancer patient’s was carried out at INMOL, Mayo Hospital, Jinnah Hospital and Children Hospital Lahore within 6 months in 2017. Interviews of 267 caregivers of diagnosed cancer patients were taken using WHOQOL BREF Questionnaire. Information was collected regarding QOL of caregivers and socio-demographic variables. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software was used for data compilation and analysis hence taking P-value ≤0.05 as significant. Results: The study results suggest that several conditions obtain an impact on the QOL of caregivers. For all measures the higher the score calculated the better the QOL. The caregivers of cancer patients reported the lowest mean score (6.89 ± 1.56) in general health and QOL. Caregiver’s low educational status, married stature, along-with their own current illness and health problems described lowest mean scores in QOL. Conclusion: The results of this study provided information that caregivers revealed a low QOL. Therefore understanding of several aspects affecting the QOL of caregivers may assist in improving their ability to care for patients and themselves. Initiation of patient care training programs for caregivers would be helpful.