title: Psychosocial adjustment of family caregivers of head and neck cancer survivors.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study examined the psychosocial adjustment and needs of family caregivers of head and neck cancer survivors at 6-24 months posttreatment.
  
  
  METHODS
  Family caregivers of head and neck cancer survivors (N=89) completed mailed questionnaires that assessed demographic variables, mental health, quality of life, and practical and informational needs.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Thirty-eight percent of caregivers reported moderate to high distress. However, quality of life scores for the entire sample (N=89) were better than the scores reported in initial validation studies on caregivers of patients undergoing active cancer treatment. Greater time spent caregiving was associated with worse psychological well-being, but also more positive adaptation to caregiving. In addition, 39% of caregivers reported that all of their practical and informational needs were being met.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Findings suggest that research and clinical efforts are needed to address the psychosocial concerns of this population.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Abbott Hall, Suite 1205, 710 North Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
authors.forename: Stephanie
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ross
authors.forename: Catherine E
authors.initials: CE
authors.lastname: Mosher
authors.forename: Victor
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Ronis-Tobin
authors.forename: Sandy
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Hermele
authors.forename: Jamie S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Ostroff
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000359:Aftercare / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008603:Mental Health / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008875:Middle Aged; D020380:Needs Assessment; D011159:Population Surveillance; D011788:Quality of Life; D012917:Social Adjustment; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D017741:Survivors