Prevalence and Associated Factors of Depressive Symptoms among Informal Caregivers of Patients with Advanced Cancer who Received Palliative Care in Sri Lanka.
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Objective: Cancer is a challenging health problem, and has a significant impact on informal caregivers (ICs) on their day-to-day responsibilities. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of depressive symptoms (DSs) and its associated factors among ICs of patients with advanced cancer who received palliative care at the Apeksha Hospital Maharagama (AHM), Sri Lanka.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 226 conveniently selected ICs at the AHM, Sri Lanka. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire and a validated 20-item Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression (CES-D) scale. Ethical and institutional approval was obtained. Data analysis was done using descriptive statistics, Chi-square, one-way analysis of variance, Pearson correlation, and independent t-tests.
Result: The mean age (±SD) of the ICs was 41.78(±14.54) years. Most of the ICs were females (60%), married (72%), and educated up to secondary level (83%). Prevalence of DSs (≥16) was 49%. Significantly higher DSs were reported by females vs. males (20.52±9.65 vs. 14.74±3.75) and currently unemployed vs. employed ICs (19.69±9.14 vs. 16.58±7.02). DSs were significantly associated with caregiver relationship with the patient (p<0.01), caregiving hours/week (p<0.01), caregiving period (p<0.05), emotional strain (p<0.01), financial strain (p<0.01), and self-reported general health (p<0.01). There was a negative relationship between DSs, perceived social support (r= -0.245; p<0.01), and family/friends support (r= -0.183; p<0.01) of ICs. Further, female gender (p<0.01) and cancer type (p<0.05) of patients were significantly influenced by the DSs of ICs.
Conclusion: Almost half of ICs had higher DSs. Some variables related to caregivers, caregiving, and patients are significantly impacted by DSs. Providing psycho-social support for ICs is crucial and recommended educational intervention to provide knowledge and practice on caregiving to reduce depressive symptoms.
期刊介绍:
Cancer is a very complex disease. While many aspects of carcinoge-nesis and oncogenesis are known, cancer control and prevention at the community level is however still in its infancy. Much more work needs to be done and many more steps need to be taken before effective strategies are developed. The multidisciplinary approaches and efforts to understand and control cancer in an effective and efficient manner, require highly trained scientists in all branches of the cancer sciences, from cellular and molecular aspects to patient care and palliation.
The Asia Pacific Organization for Cancer Prevention (APOCP) and its official publication, the Asia Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention (APJCP), have served the community of cancer scientists very well and intends to continue to serve in this capacity to the best of its abilities. One of the objectives of the APOCP is to provide all relevant and current scientific information on the whole spectrum of cancer sciences. They aim to do this by providing a forum for communication and propagation of original and innovative research findings that have relevance to understanding the etiology, progression, treatment, and survival of patients, through their journal. The APJCP with its distinguished, diverse, and Asia-wide team of editors, reviewers, and readers, ensure the highest standards of research communication within the cancer sciences community across Asia as well as globally.
The APJCP publishes original research results under the following categories:
-Epidemiology, detection and screening.
-Cellular research and bio-markers.
-Identification of bio-targets and agents with novel mechanisms of action.
-Optimal clinical use of existing anti-cancer agents, including combination therapies.
-Radiation and surgery.
-Palliative care.
-Patient adherence, quality of life, satisfaction.
-Health economic evaluations.