The Relationship between Caregiver Burden, and Depression, Anxiety and Stress in Family Caregivers of Cancer Patients Referred to Imam Reza Hospital in Bojnurd City

Abstract

Introduction: Cancer and its complications are not limited to the patients and affect their caregivers. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between the caregiver burden, and stress, anxiety, and depression in these patients. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 100 caregivers of cancer patients referred to the Imam Reza Hospital in Bojnurd City were selected through the convenience sampling method. The data instruments included the caregiver burden questionnaire and depression, anxiety, and stress scale. Data were analyzed by Chi-square and independent t-test using SPSS v.16. Results: The mean and standard deviation of the caregiver burden and depression, anxiety, and stress scale were 29.79 ± 19.36 and 74.46 ± 19.88, respectively. The correlation between the caregiver burden and depression (0.598), anxiety (0.569), and stress (0.629) was positive and this relationship was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Conclusions: The results of this study showed that more than half of cancer patient's caregivers had experienced high and very high burden. In spite of this burden, their mental health is in an acceptable state. Caregivers' assessment and family-centered rehabilitation programs seem necessary.

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