Changes in rural caregivers' health behaviors while supporting someone with cancer: A qualitative study

Purpose A child’s cancer diagnosis imposes both short-term and long-term stress on families. This study aimed to explore (1) the barriers and enablers in alleviating the financial impacts of a child’s cancer diagnosis and treatment, and (2) areas for improvement in financial aid as suggested by stakeholders. Method This qualitative study utilised semi-structured interviews with five hospital social work team members, three charity representatives, and eight parents of children treated for cancer. The interviews, which were conducted between April 2023 and January 2024, were analysed using content analysis with an inductive-deductive approach supported by Nvivo Software. Results Barriers to mitigating financial impacts included administrative difficulties (e.g., paperwork complexities, strict eligibility criteria, and limited support), community and psychosocial factors (e.g., cognitive burden, social and societal factors), and navigational issues (e.g., poor communication, fragmented support systems). Enablers included streamlined administrative processes, assistance with navigating and applying for financial aid, and community support for emotional refuge and respite. Suggested improvements included simplified application forms, offering automatic provision for certain financial aids upon diagnosis, providing infrastructure to support application processes, reallocating funds to increase navigator roles, providing tailored information through a centralised platform, and facilitating connections to parent support groups. Implications for Cancer Survivors The financial stress stemming from the uncertainty of a child’s cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming. Current support systems fall short in effectively mitigating this stress. This research provides empirical evidence for policy changes to enhance support for families, which is crucial to alleviate the multifaceted challenges they face.

show abstract

Determinants of Depression in Caregivers of Geriatric Patients in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Aljunaid,

Alosaimi,

Alazmi

et al. 2024

Medicina

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Background and Objectives: Caregiving for geriatric patients is essential for ensuring the well-being and quality of life of older adults. Family caregivers play a crucial role, but they often face a significant burden that can lead to adverse mental health outcomes, including depression. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of depression among caregivers of geriatric patients in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and to analyze its association with caregiver burden and various socio-demographic and caregiving parameters. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, between January and March 2024. Adult caregivers of geriatric patients were recruited through various social media platforms. Data were collected via an electronic questionnaire that included demographic information, caregiving parameters, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) for depression screening, and the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI-12) for caregiver burden assessment. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and multivariate logistic regression. Results: Of the 269 participants, the average age was 32 years, and the gender distribution was nearly balanced. The prevalence of depression (PHQ-9 score ≥ 10) among caregivers was 45.4% (95% CI: 39.3, 51.5%). Significant factors associated with higher depression scores included younger age, female gender, single status, being a student, low income, and caregiving burden. In the multivariate analysis, female gender (OR 2.50, 95% CI 1.30–4.80) and caregiving burden (mild-to-moderate burden: OR 6.18, 95% CI 2.94–13.00; high burden: OR 22.75, 95% CI 8.75–59.13) were independent predictors of depression. Conclusions: The study highlights the high prevalence of depression among caregivers of geriatric patients in Jeddah and underscores the significant impact of caregiving burden on mental health. These findings emphasize the need for targeted interventions, such as mental health support, respite care programs, and culturally sensitive educational training, to mitigate caregiver burden and enhance the well-being of caregivers.

show abstract

Changes in rural caregivers' health behaviors while supporting someone with cancer: A qualitative study

Cited by 3 publications

References 43 publications

“I’m not the one with cancer but it’s affecting me just as much”: A qualitative study of rural caregivers’ experiences seeking and accessing support for their health and wellbeing while caring for someone with cancer

“I’m not the one with cancer but it’s affecting me just as much”: A qualitative study of rural caregivers’ experiences seeking and accessing support for their health and wellbeing while caring for someone with cancer

“It was time I could have spent better.” – the Barriers, Enablers and Recommendations for Improving Access to Financial Aid when a Child has Cancer

Determinants of Depression in Caregivers of Geriatric Patients in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About