Psychosocial adjustment of family caregivers of head and neck cancer survivors Journal Article
| Authors: | Ross, S.; Mosher, C. E.; Ronis Tobin, V.; Hermele, S.; Ostroff, J. S. |
| Article Title: | Psychosocial adjustment of family caregivers of head and neck cancer survivors |
| Abstract: | Purpose This study examined the psychosocial adjustment and needs of family caregivers of head and neck cancer survivors at 6-24 months posttreatment. Materials and methods Family caregivers of head and neck cancer survivors (N= 89) completed mailed questionnaires that assessed demographic variables, mental health, quality of life, and practical and informational needs. Results Thirty-eight percent of caregivers reported moderate to high distress. However, quality of life scores for the entire sample (N= 89) were better than the scores reported in initial validation studies on caregivers of patients undergoing active cancer treatment. Greater time spent caregiving was associated with worse psychological wellbeing, but also more positive adaptation to caregiving. In addition, 39% of caregivers reported that all of their practical and informational needs were being met. Conclusions Findings suggest that research and clinical efforts are needed to address the psychosocial concerns of this population. © Springer-Verlag 2009. |
| Keywords: | adult; aged; aged, 80 and over; middle aged; cancer patient; quality of life; statistics; health survey; survivor; cancer survivor; questionnaires; survivors; questionnaire; adaptive behavior; patient care; psychological aspect; adaptation, psychological; head and neck cancer; head and neck neoplasms; aftercare; rating scale; caregiver; family relation; population surveillance; mental health; needs assessment; head and neck tumor; wellbeing; social psychology; family stress; caregivers; distress; family functioning; family caregivers; head and neck cancer survivors; caregiver quality of life index cancer; family counseling; social adaptation; social adjustment |
| Journal Title: | Supportive Care in Cancer |
| Volume: | 18 |
| Issue: | 2 |
| ISSN: | 0941-4355 |
| Publisher: | Springer Verlag |
| Date Published: | 2010-02-01 |
| Start Page: | 171 |
| End Page: | 178 |
| Language: | English |
| DOI: | 10.1007/s00520-009-0641-3 |
| PUBMED: | 19390870 |
| PROVIDER: | scopus |
| PMCID: | PMC3756888 |
| DOI/URL: | |
| Notes: | --- - "Cited By (since 1996): 1" - "Export Date: 20 April 2011" - "CODEN: SCCAE" - "Source: Scopus" |
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