A prospective observational study for the evaluation of psychological burden and quality of life of family caregivers of patients with advanced cancer in palliative care unit

Advanced cancer profoundly affects not only patients but also their families. The disabling effects of advanced cancers and their treatments result in significant limitations in patient’s daily activities, necessitating substantial caregiving efforts.(1) The decrease in functional capacity in these patients is also a significant indicator of prognosis.(2) Even the most resilient caregivers are deeply affected by factors such as decreased life expectancy, the loss of a loved one, and the challenges of coping with imminent death.(3) Considering patients and their family caregivers as a unit of care is a fundamental principle of palliative care aimed at enhancing the well-being of both patients and their families.(4) Family caregivers serve as crucial support for patients and significantly influence their quality of life, yet they also experience their own burdens and needs due to the patient’s illnesses.(5) These caregivers may face mental, social, physical, and economic challenges, with their psychosocial burden intensifying as the patient’s diseases progress and death approaches, sometimes surpassing the burden on the patients themselves [6] The characteristics of cancer patients and their caregivers, along with various aspects of comprehensive care, influence the caregiving burden and overall quality of life.(7) As patient dependency grows, caregiver’s negative experiences also escalate, adding to their burden.(8) Family caregivers may encounter conflicts in social roles, strain in relationships, limitations in daily activities, and adverse effects on their physical and mental well-being.(9) The Research Question being what are the primary factors contributing to the psychological burden and quality of life of family caregivers of patients with advanced cancer in the palliative care unit. Addressing this research question is crucial as it will provide insights into the specific needs of caregivers at the beginning of palliative care. Understanding these needs will help in developing targeted interventions to support caregivers and improve their well-being, ultimately enhancing the quality of care provided to patients. The psychological well-being of family caregivers is essential for the effective care of patients with advanced cancer. By identifying the factors contributing to caregiver burden, this study will help in designing interventions that can alleviate this burden, improving the overall palliative care experience for both patients and caregivers.(1) Family caregivers of patients with advanced cancer often experience significant psychological burden. Studies have shown that caregivers are at a high risk of developing mental health issues due to the stress and demands of caregiving. In past research, a considerable percentage of family caregivers, ranging from 55% to 90%, have experienced moderate to severe distress at different stages of their loved one’s incurable cancer illnesses.(1) The psychological burden on caregivers can be attributed to various factors including emotional distress, physical exhaustion, financial strain, and lack of social support. The interplay of these factors exacerbates the caregiver’s stress levels, leading to mental health issues.(1) What is already known about the subject is that caregivers of cancer patients experience high levels of stress and anxiety. Lack of support and resources increases caregiver burden. Psychological interventions can help reduce caregiver burden but are underutilized. What we do not know is how the caregiver burden varies among different demographics and how it evolves over time. Additionally, the effectiveness of various psychological interventions is not well defined. This study seeks to identify and analyze key factors contributing to the psychological burden and quality of life of family caregivers at the start of palliative care.