Object of the study: To study the quality of life of caregivers of palliative cancer patients as compared to the quality of life of chronically ill patients.
Methods: The caregivers were recruited through the general practitioners (GP) of the palliative cancer patients. Of the invited GPs, 36% decided to participate in the study. Of these GPs 22% declined from participation. The informal caregivers were interviewed. Standardised questionnaires measuring fatigue (CIS), anxiety (STAI) and depression (CES-D) were used to assess caregivers' quality of life. The results were compared with those of patients with Diabetes mellitus II, and COPD (CIS), social phobia (STAI) and multiple scelorosis and memory complaints (CES-D).
Results: In total 53 patients and their informal caregivers were invited to join the study by 34 GPs. Due to severe deterioration of the patient and death of the patient 33 informal caregivers participated in the study. With regard to fatigue, the caregivers had more complaints then the patients. The levels of anxiety were similar to those of patients with social phobia. The depression rate was similar to those of patients with Multiple sclerosis and higher then those of persons with memory complaints.
Conclusions: The quality of life of caregivers of palliative cancer as compared to patients with other severe chronic illnesses is rather low. Experiencing similar or higher level of fatigue than physical ill patients, experiencing similar levels anxiety as anxiety patients and being as depressed as multiple sclerosis characterises the heavy burden these caregivers bear.