Study on the Correlation between Caregiver Burden and Social Support of Low-Income Home-Based Patients with Advanced Cancer

Abstract

Objective To explore the correlation between caregiver burden and social support of low-income home-based patients with advanced cancer. Methods A self-made questionnaire was used to investigate 110 caregivers of low-income home-based patients with advanced cancer. The questionnaire included general information of patients and caregivers, Zarit Caregiver Burden Scale (ZBI), and social support scale, etc. The survey data were sorted out by Excel software and entered into the database, and the statistical analysis was completed with R3.5.2 software. The data of patients and caregivers were analyzed by frequency, rate, and means ± standard deviation (x±s). The correlation index was used to analyze the relationship between caregiver burden and social support. Results According to the investigation and analysis, the home-based caregivers of low-income cancer patients have a heavy burden. The ZBI score is (33.76 + 13.67) points, with a median of 33.0 points, which belongs to moderate and severe burden; the caregivers of low-income cancer patients received less social support, and the utilization of social support was low, with an average of (32.70 + 7.17) points and a median of 32.5 points, lower than the norm of (34.56 + 3.73) points. There was a negative correlation between caregiver burden and social support and each dimension (P< 0.001). Conclusion There is a close relationship between the burden of home-based caregivers and social support of low-income patients with advanced cancer. More attention should be paid to this group and more practical support and assistance should be provided to help reduce the pressure and burden of caregivers.