Coping strategies employed by the caregivers of cancer patients in Kanyakumari district: a descriptive study

Joel John N.; Florence Shalini J.

doi:10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20253687

Authors

Joel John N. Department of Social Work, Bishop Heber College (Autonomous) Affiliated to Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, India https://orcid.org/0009-0008-8155-9717
Florence Shalini J. Department of Social Work, Bishop Heber College (Autonomous) Affiliated to Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20253687

Keywords:

Cancer caregiving, Coping strategies, Psychological distress, Emotional resilience, Caregiver burden

Abstract

Background: Cancer caregiving is a critical yet challenging role that significantly impacts caregivers' psychological and emotional well-being. This study explores the coping strategies employed by caregivers of cancer patients in Kanyakumari district, focusing on the relationship between demographic factors and coping mechanisms.

Methods: Using a cross-sectional survey design, data were collected from 100 caregivers through structured questionnaires assessing coping styles.

Results: Majority of caregivers utilize emotion-focused and avoidance coping strategies rather than problem-focused coping. Furthermore, no significant differences were found in coping strategies based on gender, domicile, or age, suggesting that caregiving stress is universally experienced across demographic groups. The study highlights the interconnected nature of coping strategies, with caregivers employing multiple methods to manage stress. The findings align with previous research emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to enhance problem-solving skills and emotional resilience. Given the collectivist culture of India, caregivers often rely on familial and social support, but financial burdens and limited healthcare accessibility exacerbate their stress levels.

Conclusions: Structured interventions, such as counseling and support programs tailored to caregivers’ needs, are essential to improving their well-being. Future research should focus on longitudinal assessments of coping interventions to determine their long-term impact. Addressing caregivers’ psychological distress through evidence-based strategies will ultimately enhance patient care and caregiver quality of life.

Metrics

Metrics Loading ...

References

Kent EE, Rowland JH, Northouse L, Litzelman K, Chou WYS, Shelburne N, et al. Caring for caregivers and patients: research and clinical priorities for informal cancer caregiving. Cancer. 2016;122(13):1987-95. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/cncr.29939

Gerber K, Hayes B, Bryant C. 'It all depends': a qualitative study of family caregivers' views on the factors impacting caregiver resilience. Palliat Med. 2019;33(9):1178-86. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/0269216319845794

Molina Y, Yi JC, Martinez-Gutierrez J, Reding KW, Yi-Frazier JP, Rosenberg AR. Resilience among patients across the cancer continuum: diverse perspectives. Clin J Oncol Nurs. 2014;18(1):93-101. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1188/14.CJON.93-101

Li Q, Loke AY. The positive aspects of caregiving for cancer patients: a critical review of the literature and directions for future research. Psychooncology 2013;22(11):2399-407. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/pon.3311

Geng HM, Chuang DM, Yang F, Yang Y, Liu WM, Liu LH, et al. Prevalence and determinants of depression in caregivers of cancer patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Medicine (Baltimore). 2018;97(39):e11863.

Stajduhar KI, Funk L, Outcalt L. Family caregiving for cancer patients in the palliative phase: an integrative review. Palliat Med. 2013;27(5):379-95. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/0269216313487765

Applebaum AJ, Breitbart W. Care for the cancer caregiver: a systematic review. Palliat Support Care. 2013;11(3):231-52. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/S1478951512000594

Rosenberg AR, Baker KS, Syrjala K, Wolfe J, Wiener L. Systematic review of psychosocial morbidities among bereaved parents of children with cancer. Pediatr Blood Cancer. 2013;60(4):587-94.

Atieno OM, Macharia WM, Muiva MM. Challenges and coping strategies among caregivers of children with cancer receiving care at a national referral hospital in Kenya. BMC Palliat Care. 2024;23(1):1-10. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12904-024-01573-6

Lazarus RS, Folkman S. Stress, appraisal, and coping. New York: Springer. 1984.

Carver CS. You want to measure coping but your protocol’s too long: consider the Brief COPE. Int J Behav Med. 1997;4(1):92-100. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1207/s15327558ijbm0401_6

Cheng ST, Mak EP, Fung HH, Kwok T, Lee DT, Lam LC. Benefit-finding and effect on caregiver depression: a double-edged sword. Gerontologist. 2019;59(4):592-600.

Given CW, Given B, Stommel M, Kozachik S, Collins C, King S, et al. The caregiver reaction assessment (CRA) for caregivers to persons with chronic physical and mental impairments. Res Nurs Health. 2004;17(5):348-57.

Kim Y, Schulz R, Carver CS. Benefit-finding in the cancer caregiving experience. Psychosom Med. 2007;69(3):283-91. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1097/PSY.0b013e3180417cf4

Cheng ST, Chan AC. Filial piety and psychological well-being in well older Chinese. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci. 2006;61(5):P262-9. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/geronb/61.5.P262

Litzelman K, Kent EE, Mollica M, Rowland JH. Caregiving experiences and mental health among caregivers of cancer survivors in the United States: a cross-sectional study. Psychooncology. 2016;25(5):577-83.

Kim Y, Given BA. Quality of life of family caregivers of cancer survivors: across the trajectory of the illness. Cancer. 2008;112(11):2556-68. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/cncr.23449

Geng H, Chuang DM, Yang F, Yang Y, Liu W, Liu L, et al. Prevalence and determinants of depression in caregivers of cancer patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Medicine (Baltimore). 2018;97(39):11863. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1097/MD.0000000000011863