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Erschienen in: Supportive Care in Cancer 2/2010

01.02.2010 | Original Article

Psychosocial adjustment of family caregivers of head and neck cancer survivors

verfasst von: Stephanie Ross, Catherine E. Mosher, Victor Ronis-Tobin, Sandy Hermele, Jamie S. Ostroff

Erschienen in: Supportive Care in Cancer | Ausgabe 2/2010

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Abstract

Purpose

This study examined the psychosocial adjustment and needs of family caregivers of head and neck cancer survivors at 6–24 months posttreatment.

Materials and methods

Family caregivers of head and neck cancer survivors (N=89) completed mailed questionnaires that assessed demographic variables, mental health, quality of life, and practical and informational needs.

Results

Thirty-eight percent of caregivers reported moderate to high distress. However, quality of life scores for the entire sample (N=89) were better than the scores reported in initial validation studies on caregivers of patients undergoing active cancer treatment. Greater time spent caregiving was associated with worse psychological well-being, but also more positive adaptation to caregiving. In addition, 39% of caregivers reported that all of their practical and informational needs were being met.

Conclusions

Findings suggest that research and clinical efforts are needed to address the psychosocial concerns of this population.
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Metadaten
Titel
Psychosocial adjustment of family caregivers of head and neck cancer survivors
verfasst von
Stephanie Ross
Catherine E. Mosher
Victor Ronis-Tobin
Sandy Hermele
Jamie S. Ostroff
Publikationsdatum
01.02.2010
Verlag
Springer-Verlag
Erschienen in
Supportive Care in Cancer / Ausgabe 2/2010
Print ISSN: 0941-4355
Elektronische ISSN: 1433-7339
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-009-0641-3

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