Assessment of psychological stress among family care takers of cancer subjects in India- A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Introduction and Aim: A rapid increase in cancer rate is one of major concerns in India. It is a well-known fact that family caretakers play an essential part in aiding cancer subjects who are in critical stage. But the psychological strain and economic impact on caretakers are not widely known. The present cross-sectional study assesses the relationship between various factors and higher burden among family caretakers of cancer subjects.   Materials and Methods:  One hundred and ninety family caretakers of cancer patients who met inclusion criteria were recruited for study. A proforma was collected regarding the age, gender, social and economic status according to Modified Kuppuswamy Scale 2019, the type of family or the caregiver and their relation to the patient.   Results: Monthly income had an inter quartile range of Rs.10,000-25,000 with the median being Rs.14,000. Higher number of males participated (58.4%) as compared to the females (41.6%). Moderate to severe stress (53.3%), and severe stress (6.7%) was maximum in class 5 of the socio-economic classification. Lower income was found to be related to higher burden scores.   Conclusion: Present study showed that the burden was more among class 5 of the Kuppuswamy Socioeconomic classification. The findings suggest that education levels, occupation and monthly income are the major contribution for the burden among the caregivers.