Youssef El Toum, Chris Boulos, Tina Haddad, Tarek Costa, Elissa El Toum, Anthony Al Aaraj, Myriam Zarzour, Dania Chelala, Hiba Azar, Serge Finianos, Fady Elkarak, Marwan Ghosn, Georges Chahine, Rami Bou Khalil, Hampig Raphael Kourie, Joseph Kattan, Anthony Kassab
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Background: Chronic illnesses, such as cancer and end-stage kidney disease (ESKD), impose significant emotional and physical burdens not only on patients but also on their caregivers. Caregivers play a vital role in providing care, often facing psychological distress, including anxiety and depression, while their quality of life (QoL) may deteriorate. This study aims to compare anxiety, depression, and QoL among caregivers of cancer and ESKD patients in Lebanon.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 134 caregivers, including 71 cancer caregivers and 63 hemodialysis caregivers, at the Hôtel Dieu de France University Hospital in Beirut. Participants completed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the World Health Organization QoL (WHOQoL–BREF) Scale.
Results: Caregivers of hemodialysis patients reported significantly lower QoL scores compared to cancer caregivers (p = 0.0006). Anxiety was prevalent in both groups, with no significant difference in anxiety or depression levels between the two groups. However, caregivers’ educational level (p = 0.01), anxiety scores (p = 0.006), and the patient’s comorbidity count (p = 0.007) significantly predicted QoL. Caregivers with higher education and fewer anxiety symptoms reported better QoL.
Conclusion: Caregivers of ESKD patients experience poorer QoL than cancer caregivers, though both groups suffer from high anxiety and depression. To address these disparities, we emphasize the need for universal healthcare coverage, targeted support programs, and routine caregiver well-being assessments.
期刊介绍:
The European Journal of Cancer Care aims to encourage comprehensive, multiprofessional cancer care across Europe and internationally. It publishes original research reports, literature reviews, guest editorials, letters to the Editor and special features on current issues affecting the care of cancer patients. The Editor welcomes contributions which result from team working or collaboration between different health and social care providers, service users, patient groups and the voluntary sector in the areas of:
- Primary, secondary and tertiary care for cancer patients
- Multidisciplinary and service-user involvement in cancer care
- Rehabilitation, supportive, palliative and end of life care for cancer patients
- Policy, service development and healthcare evaluation in cancer care
- Psychosocial interventions for patients and family members
- International perspectives on cancer care