Evaluation of the Quality of Life of Female Family Caregivers of Patients with Breast Cancer in Iran (2013)

Background & aim: Family caregivers of cancer patients are at a high risk of physical, psychological and emotional problems, which could adversely affect their quality of life. This study aimed to evaluate the quality of life of the female caregivers of breast cancer patients in Sabzevar, Iran. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 105 participants in Sabzevar, Iran in 2013. Subjects were selected via purposive sampling, and required data were collected using the Caregiver Quality of Life Index-Cancer (CQOLC) scale, which was completed by the family caregivers of breast cancer patients through interviews. Data analysis was performed in SPSS version 20 using independent t-test, analysis of variance, Pearson’s correlation-coefficient, and stepwise multiple regression analysis. Results: Mean age of the participants was 36.9±10.9 years, and total mean score of quality of life was 55.48±10.87. The highest score was observed in the subscale of “lifestyle disruption” (mean: 66.14±17.31), while the lowest score belonged to the subscale of “emotional/mental burden” (mean: 49.43±18.49). Total mean score of quality of life in the sisters of breast cancer patients was 4.678 units higher compared to the caregivers who were the daughter of the patients. Moreover, total mean score of quality of life in breast cancer patients with no insurance was 5.457 scores lower compared to those with insurance. Conclusion: According to the results of this study, emotional and psychological needs of the female caregivers of patients with breast cancer (as informal caregivers) must be considered in developing related educational programs for the formal caregivers of these patients, especially mental health nurses.