Comprehensive Need as a Mediator Between Psychological Stress and Quality of Life Among Caregivers of Patients With Cancer

Abstract

Background Caregivers of patients with cancer are susceptible to profound psychological distress and low quality of life owing to the substantial demands of caregiving. The comprehensive needs of caregivers are closely linked to their quality of life. However, little is known about the relationship between these factors. Objective This study aimed to determine whether comprehensive needs mediate the relationships between psychological stress and quality of life in caregivers of patients with cancer. Methods A cross-sectional design was used to recruit 382 participants through convenience sampling. Psychological stress, comprehensive needs, and quality of life were measured using a questionnaire. Results Psychological stress was associated with higher comprehensive needs (r = 0.30, P < .01) and lower quality of life (r = −0.20, P < .01). Comprehensive needs were negatively associated with quality of life (r = −0.28, P < .01). Mediation analysis findings revealed that both the indirect effect of psychological stress on quality of life via comprehensive needs (β = −0.10; P < .001) and its direct effect on quality of life (β = −0.16; P < .01) were statistically significant, suggesting a partial mediatory effect of comprehensive needs between psychological stress and quality of life. Conclusions Our findings suggest that reducing psychological stress can improve quality of life by promoting satisfaction with comprehensive needs. Implications for Practice Interventions that help reduce psychological stress and meet the comprehensive needs of caregivers of patients with cancer can improve their quality of life.