Abstract 581P
Background
Our study examines the psychological health of informal caregivers and examine the time costs associated with informal caregiving for stomach and pancreatic cancer patients care.
Methods
We selected 200 informal caregivers of patients, and we collected the caregiver information at two-time points. The study got Ethical clearance from Tata Memorial Hospital and the International Institute for Population Sciences. We used The Zarit Burden questionnaire, Anxiety Symptoms Questionnaire, and Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI) for assessing the burden, anxiety, and depression of caregivers. The median wage rate was used to value caregiver time, and caregiver family income and wage by their working profession were used for sensitivity analyses.
Results
Spouses constituted the highest percentage of caregiving, accounting for 64% of caregivers, followed by sons and daughters at 15%. The percentage distribution of causes of feeling depressed was 54.3% financial distress, 23.3% emotional distress, 12.4% take care, and 10.1% relationship issues. Caregivers report greater financial distress than emotional strain, emphasizing the need for support for both. In addition, the patient's employment status and treatment facility type also play pivotal roles in caregiver mental health dynamics. Further, the mean time of traveling per patient is 64.5 hrs., and the mean time in the hospital is 153.1 hrs, and the total mean time is 217.6 hrs. The total mean time spent by stage was higher for the III stage (261 hrs.), I stage (248.0 hrs.), IV stages (200 hrs.), and II stages (197.8 hrs.). The mean time caregivers spend decreases with age, suggesting that young people are more involved in caring for patients.
Conclusions
The prevalence of depression and anxiety among caregivers highlights the urgency of providing accessible support services. Moreover, the economic implications of caregiving emphasize the need for comprehensive assistance programs. Addressing these challenges is vital to ensure the well-being of both caregivers and patients in the cancer care journey.
Clinical trial identification
Editorial acknowledgement
Legal entity responsible for the study
Tata Memorial Hospital.
Funding
Has not received any funding.
Disclosure
The author has declared no conflicts of interest.