Relationship Between Adoption of the Caregiver Role and Quality of Life in Caregivers of Cancer Patients Under Active Treatment

Abstract

Background: Becoming a family caregiver for a patient with cancer implies the adoption of a new role that can affect multiple aspects of the person's life. Little is known about the relationships between the adoption of the role and the quality of life of these family caregivers. Aim: To describe the level of adoption of the role of Colombian family caregivers of cancer patients in active treatment and their quality of life, and to examine the relationship of the adoption of the role and other variables related to care in the quality of life. Methods: A descriptive-correlational study was conducted with 100 family caregivers of cancer patients. The scales of sociodemographic characteristics, Adopting the Caregiver Role and Quality of Life Family Version were used. Results: Findings indicate that educational level, religious commitment, gender of the caregiver, patient's age and one of the dimensions of the Adopting the Caregiver Role scale are predictors of the quality of life of caregivers. In summary, the adoption of the role of the caregiver is a predictor of the quality of life of caregivers. Conclusion: Becoming a caregiver requires support from nurses. Strategies to favor the recognition of this new role and make sense of this experience are important in caring for the caregiver. Likewise, it is important to pay attention to the demographic and profile characteristics that can also affect the quality of life.