Pattern of Primary Caregiver, Caregiver Burder and Quality of Life of Caregiver in Patient on Palliative Chemotherapy from Central India: Single Institute Observational Study

Background: Family members who provide informal care for individuals undergoing cancer treatment often face considerable challenges that can adversely impact their quality of life (QOL).This study sought to evaluate the pattern and extent of primary caregiver burden and its correlation with QOL among caregivers of cancer patients receiving palliative chemotherapy.Methods: A prospective observational investigation was conducted at a tertiary healthcare facility, enrolling 234 primary caregivers.The level of burden experienced by caregivers was measured using the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI), while QOL was assessed utilizing the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF) instrument. Results:The average age of caregivers was 37.12 years (11.06),and the mean ZBI score recorded was 31.73 (9.87).Among participants, 70.09% reported experiencing a mild-to-moderate level of caregiving burden, whereas 21.37% encountered a moderate-to-severe burden.The mean scores on the WHOQOL-BREF domains were as follows: overall QOL-5.79 (1.84), physical domain-48.07(14.76),psychological domain-52.73(19.01),social relationships-57.43(19.14), and environmental factors-56.63 (17.19).While caregivers with lesser burden tended to report slightly higher QOL across most domains, a statistically significant difference was not observed, except for the social relationship's domain.No notable differences were identified in either burden or QOL metrics between male and female caregivers.Conclusion: A substantial proportion of caregivers experienced a mild to moderate burden, with nearly one-fifth enduring a moderate to severe burden.These findings underscore the importance of supportive interventions for caregivers of hospitalized cancer patients.