CAREGIVER BURDEN AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG CAREGIVERS OF PATIENTS AFTER BREAST CANCER SURGERY AT NGHE AN ONCOLOGY HOSPITAL
Main Article Content
Abstract
Objective: To describe caregiver burden and examine factors associated with high caregiver burden among primary caregivers of patients after breast cancer surgery at Nghe An Oncology Hospital in 2025.
Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study with prospective data collection was conducted among 102 unpaid primary caregivers at the Breast Surgery Department, Nghe An Oncology Hospital. Caregiver burden was assessed using the 22-item ZBI. High burden was defined as a ZBI score above 60. Descriptive statistics and the Chi-square test were used for analysis. Patients’ daily living activities were assessed using the Katz ADL scale. Patients were categorized into 2 groups: independent (Katz ADL = 6 points) and dependent (Katz ADL < 6 points).
Results: The mean ZBI score was 57.13 ± 15.62 (range: 29-73). High caregiver burden was observed in 53.9% of participants and moderate burden in 27.5%. The proportion with high burden was greater among caregivers aged ≥ 60 years than among those aged under 60 years (80.9% vs. 30.9%; p < 0,001). Caregiver burden was also associated with the patient’s functional status (p < 0,001).
Conclusions: Caregiver burden after breast cancer surgery was substantial. Older caregivers and caregivers of functionally dependent patients should be prioritized for burden screening, counseling, and supportive interventions.
Article Details
Keywords
Caregiver burden, Zarit scale, postoperative care, breast cancer.
References
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