UNDERSTANDING BURDEN OF CARE AND QUALITY OF LIFE OF CAREGIVERS OF CANCER PATIENTS: ROLE OF COPING STRATEGIES

Abstract

Caregivers of cancer patients frequently face significant burdens—emotional, physical, social, and financial—which can adversely impact their quality of life (QoL). Coping strategies may play a critical role in moderating these effects. This study aimed to examine the relationship between caregiver burden and QoL among caregivers of cancer patients, and to investigate how different coping strategies influence this relationship. In a cross-sectional design, 177 family caregivers of cancer patients were recruited from oncology clinics in Multan. Participants completed validated questionnaires measuring caregiver burden (e.g., Zarit Burden Interview), quality of life (e.g., WHOQOL-BREF or Caregiver Quality of Life Index–Cancer), and coping strategies (e.g., Brief COPE). Socio-demographic and caregiving-related variables (age, gender, relationship to patient, duration of caregiving, patient’s stage of illness) were also recorded. Statistical analyses included correlation, multiple regression, and moderation analyses to test whether coping strategies buffer the effect of burden on QoL. Caregiver burden was found to be moderately to strongly negatively correlate with QoL across domains (physical, psychological, social, and environmental) (all p < 0.01). In regression analysis controlling for demographic and caregiving factors, Moreover, caregiver burden was a significant predictor of lower QoL. Among coping strategies, problem-focused coping was associated with higher QoL and attenuated the negative effect of burden, whereas emotion-focused or avoidant coping were associated with poorer QoL and amplified the burden’s negative impact. Caregiver burden substantially undermines quality of life among caregivers of cancer patients. However, adaptive coping strategies—particularly problem-focused ones—can mitigate this effect. Interventions designed to promote effective coping strategies may help to reduce the negative impact of caregiving burden and improve caregivers’ well-being. Healthcare providers should assess caregiver burden, support coping skills, and implement psychosocial interventions tailored to coping style.