GÁNH NẶNG CHĂM SÓC CỦA NGƯỜI CHĂM SÓC CHÍNH CHO NGƯỜI BỆNH UNG THƯ ĐIỀU TRỊ TẠI BỆNH VIỆN TRUNG ƯƠNG THÁI NGUYÊN VÀ MỘT SỐ YẾU TỐ LIÊN QUAN

Abstract

Objectives: To describe the status of caregiver burden and analyze factors associated with caregiver burden among primary caregivers of cancer patients treated at Thai Nguyen National Hospital in 2026.

Subjects and methods: An explanatory sequential mixed-methods study, comprising a cross-sectional quantitative phase among 225 primary caregivers and a qualitative phase with 10 in-depth interviews and 3 focus group discussions, was conducted at the Oncology Center, Thai Nguyen National Hospital. Caregiver burden was measured using the 22-item Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI-22, 0-88); caregiver self-rated health using EQ-VAS (0-100); patient functional dependence using the Barthel Index (0-100).

Results: The mean ZBI score was 31.11±18.10 (range 0-88); 27.5% of caregivers had moderate-to-severe or severe burden. The ZBI-22 had a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.956, reflecting internal consistency only; construct validity in this population was not assessed. In an 11-variable multivariable linear regression model, caregivers with a chronic disease had a ZBI score 12.88 points higher than those without (95%CI: 5.98-19.78; p<0.001); each one-point increase in the Barthel Index was associated with a 0.28-point decrease in ZBI score (95%CI: -0.39 to -0.18; p<0.001). Qualitative findings showed burden was multidimensional, influenced by patient dependence, caregiver health, availability of a substitute caregiver, and family/health-staff support.

Conclusion: A substantial proportion of primary caregivers experienced moderate-to-severe or severe burden, associated with caregiver chronic disease and patient functional dependence. Practice implications drawn from the qualitative findings (risk screening, caregiver health support, skills education, interdisciplinary connection) should be further tested before being implemented as formal interventions.