The burden among family caregivers of elderly cancer patients: prospective study in a Moroccan population.
BACKGROUND
In Morocco, families play a major role in caring for elderly cancer patients.


METHODS
We conducted a prospective descriptive study, in the National Institute of Oncology in Morocco. The study aimed to include family members who are caregivers for patients aged ≥70 years old.


RESULTS
After obtaining IRB approval, a total of 150 caregivers responded to the questionnaire. Mean age was 44.7 years. The majority were females (59.3%), living in urban areas (66.7%), and educated (62.7%).Offspring (sons or daughters) represented 56.7, 54% lived with their relatives in the same house. Most of the participants were married and have familial responsibilities. In relatives, anxiety was found in 79.3%, it was related to fear of losing the patient in 57% and resulted in the use of anxiolytics in 10%. Guilt feeling towards patients regarding neglecting their early symptoms was reported in 38%. Depression and anxiety were more frequent among female relatives and among those of urban origin. Obsession of dying from cancer was present in about 30% and fear of contagion was more common among those from rural areas and illiterate. Economic resources were exceeded in 78.7 and 56% have used banking credits, and sale of properties. Work lay-off was recorded in 54%. Relatives participated in treatment making decisions in 86% of patients.


CONCLUSIONS
Even there was a great impact on elderly cancerous patients relatives, the benefits of caregiving was observed in 80%. More studies have to be conducted, especially in developing countries where the lack of resources majors the impact on family caregivers.
Medical Oncology Department, National Institute of Oncology, Rabat, Morocco. s.lkhoyaali@gmail.com.
Sihame
S
Lkhoyaali
Medical Oncology Department, National Institute of Oncology, Rabat, Morocco. m_meryem_a@hotmail.com.
Meryem Ait
MA
El Haj
Medical Oncology Department, National Institute of Oncology, Rabat, Morocco. elfadwa512@hotmail.fr.
Fadwa
F
El Omrani
Medical Oncology Department, National Institute of Oncology, Rabat, Morocco. layachimohamed@hotmail.com.
Mohammed
M
Layachi
Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital Mohammed VI, Marrakech, Morocco. nabilismaili@yahoo.fr.
Nabil
N
Ismaili
Medical Oncology Department, National Institute of Oncology, Rabat, Morocco. mrabti_h@yahoo.fr.
Hind
H
Mrabti
Medical Oncology Department, National Institute of Oncology, Rabat, Morocco. h_errihani@yahoo.fr.
Hassan
H
Errihani
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001007:Anxiety; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology*; D017281:Cost of Illness; D003863:Depression; D005190:Family; D005192:Family Health; D005260:Female; D006701:Home Nursing / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009018:Morocco; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000191:economics / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D010290:Parents; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013315:Stress, Psychological; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires