Abstract

Aim: Limited research has been done on phychological status and quality of life of caregivers to hospitalized patients with cancer. This study examines anxiety, depression and quality of life in primary caregivers of hospitalized patients with cancer. Methods: Ninety-three hospitalized cancer patients and their 93 primary caregivers were included in this study. Patient and caregiver query form has been used to obtain demographical data. History of the disease has been extracted from the patient records. Quality of life was rated with the Short Form 36 (SF36) and mental health with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) for caregivers. Results: The mean age of the patients and the caregivers was 50.28±14.88 years and the caregivers was 43.80±13.60 years, respectively. SF36 subscores and HADS scores were affected in caregivers. Significant negative correlations were found between duration of the post diagnosis period and SF36 subscores of physical role, vitality, mentol health, general health, emotional role, social role and positive corelations w er e found between duration of the post diagnosis period and HADS scores (p<0.05). Conclusion: Findings from this study support that the current treatment programs for cancer patients should also include close monitoring of caregivers psychological health and quality of life.