Psychological burden of caregivers of cancer patients

Abstract

Introduction: Caregivers of cancer patients play an important role in the management and palliation of the patient's disease. But the care provided by caregivers can adversely affect their own health in the long term.Purpose: Investigating the psychological burden of caregivers of terminally ill cancer patients and coping strategies. Material and Method: Descriptive review. Primary studies identified in databases (PubMed, Google Scholar) using keywords: psychological burden, end-stage cancer patients, caregivers were included.Results: The research highlighted the high rates of psychological burden among the caregivers of cancer patients. The time and effort of the carer, the emotional and material demands and the limitation of social life worsen the quality of life of the carer causing significant psychological burden, stress and often depression. Caregiver burden, which affects both men and women, is expressed in emotional, psychological, social and physical symptoms. Caregivers' health can be improved by strengthening the psychological and psychosocial environment, as subjective burden and lack of positive aspects of caregiving have been found to lead to caregivers' mental health problems. To improve the health of caregivers, there are various coping strategies that can be used, such as providing social support, psychological adjustment, spirituality, and psychosocial interventions. Coping strategies are designed to motivate and encourage caregivers to provide care for cancer patients despite the challenges they often face.Conclusions: Cancer is a devastating and debilitating chronic disease that affects both patients and their caregivers. Caregiver burden is high regardless of gender and can be reduced with psychosocial interventions, social support, psychological adjustment and spirituality.