Factors associated with stress and quality of life among cancer caregivers at Surin Hospital

Abstract

Background: Cancer affects not only patients but also their family caregivers in terms of physical, psychological, social, and economic aspects. Caregivers are therefore considered a vulnerable group at risk of experiencing stress and reduced quality of life, which may affect their ability to provide continuous and effective care for patients.

Objective: To investigate the levels of stress and quality of life and identify factors associated with stress and quality of life among caregivers of cancer patients at Surin Hospital.

Methods: This correlational study was conducted among 124 caregivers of cancer patients who were selected using purposive sampling according to the specified inclusion criteria. Data were collected using a personal information questionnaire, the Suanprung Stress Test-20 (SPST-20), and the World Health Organization Quality of Life Brief–Thai version (WHOQOL-BREF-THAI). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and non-parametric statistics, including Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient, Mann–Whitney U test, and Kruskal–Wallis test.

Results: Most caregivers of patients with cancer reported high levels of stress (51.6%), while their overall quality of life was at a moderate level (83.9 ± 11.64). Monthly income was weakly and negatively correlated with stress scores (rs = −0.24, p = 0.006) and moderately and positively correlated with quality of life scores (rs = 0.45, p < 0.001). Significant differences in stress and quality of life scores were observed according to income sufficiency (p < 0.01). Quality of life also differed significantly by sex, underlying disease, educational level, occupation, and relationship to the patient (p < 0.05). No significant associations or differences were found for age, cohabitation with the patient, daily caregiving hours, or marital status (p > 0.05).

Conclusions: Most caregivers of cancer patients experienced high levels of stress and had moderate quality of life. Economic factors, including monthly income and income adequacy, were associated with caregivers’ stress and quality of life. The findings highlight the importance of continuous assessment of stress and quality of life among caregivers of cancer patients. Healthcare teams and nurses should develop systematic stress screening and provide appropriate psychosocial and economic support to promote caregivers’ well-being and enhance their capacity to provide effective care for cancer patients.