Abstract 1718P
Background
Cancer influences the quality of life of cancer patients and their family caregivers. Cancer is a social experience affecting the physical, social and psychological well-being of patients and their caregivers. This study determined the quality of life of patients with cancer and their family caregivers, identified factors associated with patient and caregiver QoL, and explored the patient-caregiver dyadic relationship.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 214 patient-caregiver dyads (428 participants). Quality of life was assessed using the WHOQoL-BREF Filipino. Participant factors associated with overall quality of life and general health were evaluated using linear regression analysis. Dyadic data analysis was performed using the Actor-Partner Interdependence Model via multilevel modeling.
Results
Overall quality of life of cancer patients (mean = 62.85, SD =19.79) was similar to that experienced by family caregivers (mean = 61.68, SD = 19.63). On the average, patients scored highest on social relationships (mean = 67.68, SD = 19.33) and lowest in the physical health domain (mean = 51.94, SD = 18.78). Caregivers had the highest and lowest average scores in the psychological (mean = 72.15, SD = 15.41) and environmental domains (mean = 59.86, SD = 15.17), respectively. Patients who were widowed experienced worse quality of life (β= -11.87, 95% CI -22.11 to -1.63) while 6-10 years duration of caregiving was significantly associated with improved quality of life (β= 17.24, 95% CI 4.10 to 30.38). The patients’ quality of life was significantly linked with their caregiver’s quality of life (partner effect QoL = 0.23, p < 0.01; partner effect general health = 0.24, p < 0.001).
Conclusions
The cancer experience can affect the quality of life of cancer patients and family caregivers. The presence of social support can positively influence the well-being of cancer patients, while its absence can result in maladaptive coping. Family caregivers play an important role in the care of cancer patients. Thus, the quality of life and general health of both patients and caregivers should not be overlooked.
Clinical trial identification
Editorial acknowledgement
Legal entity responsible for the study
The authors.
Funding
Has not received any funding.
Disclosure
All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.