Factors associated with self-perceived burden to the primary caregiver in older patients with hematologic malignancies: an exploratory study.

Libert, Yves;Borghgraef, Cindy;Beguin, Yves;Delvaux, Nicole;Razavi, Darius;et.al.
(2017) Psycho-Oncology : journal of the psychological, social and behavioral dimensions of cancer — Vol. 26, n° 1, p. 118-124 (2017)

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Authors
  • Libert, Yves
    Author
  • Borghgraef, Cindy
    Author
  • Beguin, Yves
    Author
  • Delvaux, Nicole
    Author
  • Doyen, ChantalUCLouvain
    Author
  • Dubruille, StéphanieUCLouvain
    Author
  • Reynaert, ChristineUCLouvain
    Author
  • Straetmans, NicoleUCLouvain
    Author
  • Van Den Neste, EricUCLouvain
    Author
  • Razavi, Darius
    Author
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Abstract
(en) OBJECTIVE: Although cancer patients frequently experience self-perceived burden to others, this perception has not been enough studied. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of self-perceived burden to the primary caregiver (SPB-PC) and associated factors in an older patient population with hematologic malignancies at the time of chemotherapy initiation. METHODS: In total, 166 consecutive patients with hematologic malignancies aged ≥65 years were recruited at the time of chemotherapy initiation. Patients' SPB-PC was assessed using a 100-mm visual analogue scale (VAS). Characteristics potentially associated with SPB-PC, including sociodemographic and medical characteristics, physical functioning status (Karnofsky performance score, activities of daily living (ADL)/instrumental ADL), symptoms (fatigue, pain, nausea, quality of life), psychological distress (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS)), perceived cognitive function (Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy Cognitive (FACT-Cog) Scale), and patients'/primary caregivers' personal relationship characteristics (family tie, support), were assessed. RESULTS: Thirty-five percent of patients reported moderate to severe SPB-PC (VAS ≥ 50 mm). Patients' SPB-PC was associated with lower Karnofsky performance (β = -0.135, p = 0.058) and ADL (β = -0.148, p = 0.037) scores, and higher HADS (β = 0.283, p < 0.001) and FACT-Cog perceived cognitive impairments subscale (β = 0.211, p = 0.004) scores. The proportion of explained variance was 23.5%. CONCLUSIONS: Health care professionals should be aware that about one third of older cancer patients experience moderate to severe SPB-PC at the time of chemotherapy initiation. They should adapt their support of patients who report such a feeling.
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Libert, Y., Borghgraef, C., Beguin, Y., Delvaux, N., Devos, M., Doyen, C., Dubruille, S., Etienne, A.-M., Liénard, A., Merckaert, I., Reynaert, C., Slachmuylder, J.-L., Straetmans, N., Van Den Neste, E., Bron, D., & Razavi, D. (2017). Factors associated with self-perceived burden to the primary caregiver in older patients with hematologic malignancies: an exploratory study. Psycho-Oncology : journal of the psychological, social and behavioral dimensions of cancer, 26(1), 118-124. https://doi.org/10.1002/pon.4108 (Original work published 2017)