IMPACT OF CANCER ON QUALITY OF LIFE & DEPRESSION AMONG CAREGIVERS

Objective: To determine the impact of cancer on quality of life and depression among caregivers. Study Design: Cross-sectional survey. Place and Duration of Study: Anmol Hospital, Lahore, from Jul 2019 to Jan 2020. Methodology: Data collected from caregivers of female cancer patients by purposive sampling technique using Standardized Questionnaire of Caregiver Assistance Scale and emotional distress was assessed by the Profile of Mood States. Data were entered into Statistical Package for Social Sciences for statistical analysis. Results: Among 110 participants (caregivers of female cancer patients) 28 (25.5%) were female while 82 (74.5%) were male caregivers. Patients other than breast cancer were 79 (71.8%), while breast cancer patients were 31 (28.2%). There was a significant association between caregiver health, quality of life and level of depression, one year ago, and at current with p-values= 0.001, 0.001 and 0.01 respectively. Conclusion: There was a negative impact on the health and quality of life of caregivers. Their health was better in the beginning but with time, their lives became more difficult.