Influences of Depression and Social Support on Quality of Life in Family Caregivers of Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy at an Outpatient Department

Abstract

Purpose: This study investigated the effects of depression and social support on quality of life in family caregivers of cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy at an outpatient department.Methods: This study had a crosssectional, correlational design using a structured questionnaire. Data were collected from October to December 2019 at a hematology-oncology outpatient department. In total, 148 family caregivers participated in this study. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent t-test, one-way analysis of variance, Pearson correlation coefficients, and multiple regression with SPSS for Windows version 27.0.Results: The quality of life showed statistically significant differences according to the educational level (t=-3.02, p=.003), family monthly income (t=-4.22, p<.001), job status (t=4.31, p<.001), chronic illness (t=-2.67, p=.009) and patient’s gender (t=-2.70, p=.008). The quality of life was significantly correlated with between depression (r=-.53, p<.001) and social support (r=.50, p<.001). Depression (β=-.35, p<.001), social support (β=.35, p<.001), and job status (β=.15, p=.024) were identified as significant predictors. This model explained approximately 47% of variance in quality of life (F=19.74, p<.001).Conclusion: It is necessary to pay attention to the quality of life in family caregivers of patients with cancer undergoing chemotherapy. Nursing interventions to improve their quality of life might also be developed to considering depression and social support.