Psychosocial and emotional challenges among informal caregivers of patients with cancer: An evidence from Kashmir, India

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Caring for a loved one with cancer can be emotionally and physically challenging, especially in regions with limited healthcare services and support, where caregivers often face these challenges. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to examine the psychosocial and emotional challenges experienced by family caregivers of patients with cancer during the course of the patient’s illness and treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 112 caregivers at the Cancer Society of Kashmir and the Government Medical College, Srinagar, Kashmir, India. A questionnaire was used to collect information about their age, gender, relationship with the patient, how long they had been providing care, and the emotional and physical aspects of caregiving. The study explored the types of support that caregivers felt would make their role easier. RESULTS: Most caregivers were males (58.9%) between 20 and 39 years of age. The majority lived with the patient (91.1%) and had been caregiving for 1–5 years. A large number of caregivers said that they felt tired (31.3%), sad (20.5%), cried easily (22.3%), or felt guilty (22.3%). Some even had thoughts that life was not worth living (16.1%). The most difficult phase was the time of diagnosis (15.2%). Caregivers reported a need for greater support, particularly financial (54.5%) and emotional (37.5%). CONCLUSION: Cancer caregivers face significant emotional and psychological stress, particularly when adequate support is lacking. Hospitals and healthcare workers should offer more help, like counseling and financial support, to reduce caregivers’ stress and improve cancer care.