Factors associated with caregiver burden among caregivers of terminally ill patients with cancer.
OBJECTIVE
To identify factors associated with caregiver burden among those caring for terminally ill patients with cancer.


METHODS
Cross-sectional study of interviews with primary caregivers (n = 206) of consecutive patients with cancer enrolled in the largest hospice in Connecticut.


METHODS
Data were collected on the caregivers' sociodemographic characteristics, social network index, and number of restrictions in their own activities due to their caregiving role. The outcome was a nine-item questionnaire adapted from the Zarit Burden Inventory.


RESULTS
The highest burden was reported among caregivers with more limited social networks (OR 1.38, Cl 1.02-1.87), more restrictions in their daily activities (OR 1.35, Cl 1.13-1.61), and who were younger (OR 1.46, Cl 1.10-1.93).


CONCLUSIONS
Variations exist in the intensity of caregiver burden based on subjective experiences and social support, rather than on the amount of assistance provided. Clinicians should consider factors such as these when targeting caregivers for interventions to alleviate burden.
Goldstein
Nathan E
NE
Robert Wood Johnson Clinical Scholars Program, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.
Concato
John
J
Fried
Terri R
TR
Kasl
Stanislav V
SV
Johnson-Hurzeler
Rosemary
R
Bradley
Elizabeth H
EH
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001294:Attitude to Health; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology*; D003237:Connecticut; D017281:Cost of Illness; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D017051:Hospice Care / Q000379:methods / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020380:Needs Assessment; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology; D011788:Quality of Life; D012944:Social Support; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires