MỐI LIÊN HỆ GIỮA CHẤT LƯỢNG CUỘC SỐNG VỚI GÁNH NẶNG CHĂM SÓC VÀ CÁC YẾU TỐ LIÊN QUAN CỦA NGƯỜI CHĂM SÓC NGƯỜI BỆNH UNG THƯ

Abstract

Background: Cancer caring is challenging for both patients and caregivers. However, limited knowledge on levels of burden and quality of life (QoL) among cancer caregivers is available, particularly in Vietnam. Objectives: This study aims to investigate the levels of burden, QoL of Vietnamese cancer caregivers and the associations factors. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in two hospitals in Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam. 228 caregivers were recruited from January to April, 2021. Data were collected by using socio-demographic questionnaire, the Zarit Burden Interview scale, and Caregiver QoL-Cancer. The association between QoL and burden and other factor was analyzed by using t-test, ANOVA. Results: Caregivers perceived light burden (42.5%), 19.3% perceived moderate and severe burden. Overall quality of life score is only average (62.89±12.79), of which the financial aspect is the lowest (44.12±29.13). Caregiver with illness (55.91±14.33; p<0.001), hour of care >40 hours/week (60.49±13.69; p=0.008), dependent patient (59.31±12.94; p=0.004), and burden of care (48.86±10.78; p<0.001) had  worsen quality of life. Conclusions: Patients with high perceived burden, pre-existing medical conditions, highly dependent care, and long duration of care were associated with poorer quality of life. The health sector needs a comprehensive policy to support caregivers in order to reduce the burden of care and related medical costs and thereby improve quality of life.