Factors associated with caregiving burden among spouses of patients with breast cancer: a cross-sectional study

Caregiving for a spouse with breast cancer is a demanding role that can significantly affect psychological well-being. This study aimed to identify the independent predictors of caregiving burden among spouses, with a particular focus on psychological distress and subjective appraisal of care needs. This cross-sectional study included 151 spouses of women receiving treatment or follow-up care for breast cancer. Data were collected using a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and the Zarit Caregiver Burden Interview (ZBI). Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to determine independent predictors of caregiving burden. The median age of participants was 51 years. Although 80.1% of patients were undergoing active treatment, only 44.4% of spouses perceived a need for care. The prevalence of clinically significant anxiety and depression was 13.9% and 31.8%, respectively. The regression model was statistically significant (F (5,145) = 29.5, p < 0.001) and explained 50.5% of the variance in caregiving burden (R² = 0.505; adjusted R² = 0.487). Anxiety (B = 1.795, p < 0.001) and perceived care need (B = 6.866, p < 0.001) were the only significant independent predictors. Clinical factors were not significant in the multivariate model. Caregiving burden among spouses of women with breast cancer appears to be more strongly influenced by caregiver anxiety and subjective appraisal of care needs than by objective clinical factors. These findings highlight the importance of incorporating caregiver-focused psychosocial assessment into routine oncology and primary care. Targeted interventions addressing anxiety and care perception may help reduce caregiver burden and improve family well-being.