Abstract

QUALITY OF LIFE OF CAREGIVERS OF GERIATRIC CANCER PATIENTS: A PROSPECTIVE STUDY

Praveen Kumar G.*, Manicavasagam M., Priyadharshni, Deepthi P., Priyanka V., Nivetha D.

Abstract

Purpose: To assess the quality of life (QOL) of caregivers of geriatric cancer patients by using self-designed questionnaire and to examine examining the QOL based upon their physical health, psychological status, and social relationships. Methods: It is prospective study conducted in tertiary care hospital. A questionnaire comprising 22 questions divided into three categories of physical health, psychological status, a social relationship were given to 40 caregivers of geriatric patients with cancer and wasevaluated using scoring from 1 to 5. Result: Psychological QOL was highly affected compared to physical health and social relationship among the caregivers of geriatric patient with cancer. Also there is high significant correlation between the domains psychological status and physical health. Conclusion: overall the QOL of caregivers are significantly affected in all the three domains (physical health, social relationships, psychological status). Therefore, health care providers can improve the QOL of caretakers by concentrating more on the mental status and by paying more attention on the overall health of the caretakers and involve in interventions involving professional counselors, who can train both the patients and the caregivers in psychoeducation and skills training.

Keywords: To assess the quality caregivers in psycho-education and skills training.