Quality of life of caregivers of patients with gastrointestinal cancer: relationship of sex, age, and stage of the cancer patients

ABSTRACT

Introduction: The caregivers of cancer patients may experience changes in their routine that affect their quality of life. The aim of the study was to identify the domains that compromise the quality of life (QoL) of the caregivers of patients with gastrointestinal cancer (GIC).

Methods: A descriptive, observational study with caregivers of patients diagnosed with GIC during chemotherapy therapy was done. The caregivers answered 2 questionnaires, SF-36 (short form health survey 36) and CBS (caregiver burden scale).

Results: 100 caregivers of 100 patients with GIC were included. The mean age of the patients was 62.2±13 years. Most of them had colorectal cancer (66%), ECOG 0-1 (87%) and stage II/III (81%) disease. Among caregivers, 81% had less than 60 years old and 76% were female. According to the SF-36, lower levels were observed in the emotional, physical aspects and vitality and the best average in functional capacity. Regarding the CBS instrument, the general strain domain and disappointment was the more affected. Stage or ECOG was not associated to the caregivers QOL or burden. High schooling level of the patients was associated with a better quality of life and less burden of the caregivers. Ageing caregivers had a worst QoL and an increased burden.

Conclusion: Most of caregivers were women and youngers, and had a worst quality of life in emotional role, physical aspects and vitality, and an increased burden in general strain and disappointment.

RESUMO

Introdução: Os cuidadores de pacientes com câncer podem vivenciar mudanças em seu cotidiano que afetam sua qualidade de vida. O objetivo do estudo foi identificar os domínios que comprometem a qualidade de vida (QV) dos cuidadores de pacientes com câncer gastrointestinal (CG).

Métodos: Foi realizado um estudo descritivo e observacional com cuidadores de pacientes com diagnóstico de CG durante o tratamento quimioterápico. Os cuidadores responderam a 2 questionários, SF-36 (short form health survey 36) e CBS (caregiver burden scale).

Resultados: 100 cuidadores de 100 pacientes com CG foram incluídos. A média de idade dos pacientes foi de 62,2±13 anos. A maioria deles tinha câncer colorretal (66%), ECOG 0-1 (87%) e doença em estágio II/III (81%). Entre os cuidadores, 81% tinham menos de 60 anos e 76% eram do sexo feminino. De acordo com o SF-36, foram observados níveis inferiores nos aspectos emocionais, físicos e vitalidade, e a melhor média na capacidade funcional. Em relação ao instrumento CBS, o domínio de desgaste geral e decepção foi o mais afetado. Estágio ou ECOG não foram associados à QV ou sobrecarga do cuidador. A alta escolaridade dos pacientes foi associada a uma melhor qualidade de vida e menor sobrecarga dos cuidadores. Cuidadores idosos tiveram pior QV e sobrecarga aumentada.

Conclusão: A maioria dos cuidadores eram mulheres e jovens, e apresentaram pior qualidade de vida no papel emocional, aspectos físicos e vitalidade, e aumento da sobrecarga no desgaste geral e decepção.

Keywords:

Caregivers - Quality of life - Gastrointestinal cancer

Palavras-chave:

Cuidadores - Qualidade de vida - Câncer gastrointestinal

Publication History

Received: 11 August 2021

Accepted: 03 September 2021

Article published online:
23 February 2022

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