Perspectives and Challenges of Family Members in Providing Mental Support to Cancer Patients: A Qualitative Study in Beijing, China
Article ID:
3839
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Abstract
This study explores the perspectives and challenges faced by family members providing mental support to cancer patients in Beijing, China. The primary objective is to understand the emotional and practical roles family members undertake and the difficulties they encounter. Utilizing a qualitative research design, data were collected through semi-structured interviews with family caregivers of cancer patients. Thematic analysis revealed several key themes: the dual burden of emotional support and caregiving responsibilities, the impact on daily life and personal well-being, the role and effectiveness of external support systems, perceptions of medical staff support, and the common challenges and conflicts faced in caregiving. The findings highlight the critical need for comprehensive support systems that address both the emotional and practical needs of family caregivers. Recommendations for enhancing family-centered support programs in oncology settings are discussed.
References
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2.Baclig NV, Comulada WS, Ganz PA. Mental health and care utilization in survivors of adolescent and young adult cancer. J Natl Cancer Inst. 2023;7(6):pkad098. [Google Scholar]
3.Hu S, Chang C, Snyder J, Deshmukh V, Newman M, Date A, et al. Mental health outcomes in a population-based cohort of patients with prostate cancer. J Natl Cancer Inst. 2023;116(3):445–54. [Google Scholar]
4.Abdelhadi O. The impact of psychological distress on quality of care and access to mental health services in cancer survivors. Front Health Serv. 2023;2:1111677. doi:10.3389/frhs.2023.1111677. [Google Scholar] [PubMed] [CrossRef]
5.Bradley CJ, Kitchen S, Owsley KM. Working low income and cancer caregiving: financial and mental health impacts. J Clin Oncol. 2023;41(16):2939–48. doi:10.1200/JCO.22.02537. [Google Scholar] [PubMed] [CrossRef]
6.Kodipalli A, Devi S. Analysis of fuzzy-based intelligent health care application system for the diagnosis of mental health in women with ovarian cancer using computational models. Intell Deci Technol. 2023;17(2):235–48. doi:10.3233/IDT-228006. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
7.Given B, Given CW, Sherwood P. Family and caregiver needs over the course of the cancer trajectory. J Support Oncol. 2004;2(2):145–55. doi:10.1016/j.suponc.2011.10.003. [Google Scholar] [PubMed] [CrossRef]
8.Lynch J, D’Alton P, Gaynor K. Evaluating the role of perceived injustice in mental health outcomes in cervical cancer care. Support Care Cancer. 2022;30(8):6119–30. [Google Scholar]
9.Kim Y, Baker F, Spillers RL, Wellisch DK. Psychological adjustment of cancer caregivers with multiple roles. Psycho-Oncol. 2006;15(9):795–804. doi:10.1002/pon.1013. [Google Scholar] [PubMed] [CrossRef]
10.Najjuka SM, Iradukunda A, Kaggwa MM, Sebbowa AN, Mirembe J, Ndyamuhaki K, et al. The caring experiences of family caregivers for patients with advanced cancer in Uganda: a qualitative study. PLoS One. 2023;18(10):e0293109. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0293109. [Google Scholar] [PubMed] [CrossRef]
11.Northouse LL, Katapodi MC, Song L, Zhang L, Mood DW. Interventions with family caregivers of cancer patients: meta-analysis of randomized trials. CA: A Cancer J Clin. 2010;60(5):317–39. doi:10.3322/caac.20081. [Google Scholar] [PubMed] [CrossRef]
12.Suresh M, Risbud R, Patel MI, Lorenz KA, Schapira L, Gallagher-Thompson D, et al. Clinic-based assessment and support for family caregivers of patients with cancer: results of a feasibility study. Cancer Rep. 2023;6(5):e0047. [Google Scholar]
13.Valero-Cantero I, Casals C, Espinar-Toledo M, Barón-López FJ, García-Agua Soler N, Vázquez-Sánchez MA. Effects of music on the quality of life of family caregivers of terminal cancer patients: a randomised controlled trial. Healthc. 2023;11(14):1985. doi:10.3390/healthcare11141985. [Google Scholar] [PubMed] [CrossRef]
14.Neves M, Bártolo A, Prins J, Sales C, Monteiro S. Taking care of an adolescent and young adult cancer survivor: a systematic review of the impact of cancer on family caregivers. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2023;20(8):5488. doi:10.3390/ijerph20085488. [Google Scholar] [PubMed] [CrossRef]
15.Li Q, Loke AY. A literature review on the mutual impact of the spousal caregiver-cancer patients dyads: ‘Communication’, ‘Reciprocal Influence’, and ‘Caregiver-Patient Interactions’. Eur J Oncol Nurs. 2013;17(3):247–58. [Google Scholar]
16.Yates P. Family caregivers of patients with advanced cancer: the impact of caregiving on their mental and emotional health, and quality of life. Palliat Med. 2015;29(5):412–9. [Google Scholar]
17.Tang ST, Li CY, Liao YC. Factors associated with depressive distress among Taiwanese family caregivers of cancer patients at the end of life. Palliat Med. 2007;21(3):249–57. doi:10.1177/0269216307077334. [Google Scholar] [PubMed] [CrossRef]
18.Gaugler JE, Hanna N, Linder J, Given CW, Tolbert V, Kataria R, et al. Cancer caregiving and subjective stress: a multi-site, multi-dimensional analysis. Psycho-Oncol. 2005;14(9):771–85. doi:10.1002/pon.916. [Google Scholar] [PubMed] [CrossRef]
19.Zarit SH, Reever KE, Bach-Peterson J. Relatives of the impaired elderly: correlates of feelings of burden. Gerontol. 1980;20(6):649–55. doi:10.1093/geront/20.6.649. [Google Scholar] [PubMed] [CrossRef]
20.O’Brien BC, Harris IB, Beckman TJ, Reed DA, Cook DA. Standards for reporting qualitative research: a synthesis of recommendations. Acad Med. 2014 Sep;89(9):1245–51. doi:10.1097/ACM.0000000000000388. [Google Scholar] [PubMed] [CrossRef]
21.Naeem M, Ozuem W, Howell K, Ranfagni S. A step-by-step process of thematic analysis to develop a conceptual model in qualitative research. Int J Qual Methods. 2023;22:1–12. doi:10.1177/16094069231205789. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
22.Tong A, Sainsbury P, Craig J. Consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQa 32-item checklist for interviews and focus groups. Int J Qual Health Care. 2007 Dec;19(6):349–57. doi:10.1093/intqhc/mzm042. [Google Scholar] [PubMed] [CrossRef]
23.Hussin NAM, Sabri NSM. A qualitative exploration of the dynamics of guilt experience in family cancer caregivers. Support Care Cancer. 2023;31:4815–26. doi:10.1093/geront/20.6.649. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
24.Biggs A, Brough P, Drummond S. Lazarus and Folkman’s psychological stress and coping theory. In: The handbook of stress and health: a guide to research and practice. Hoboken, NJ, USA: Wiley; 2017. p. 349–64. doi:10.1002/9781118993811.ch21. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
25.Mehnert A, Hartung T, Friedrich M, Vehling S, Brähler E, Härter M, et al. Burden, gender, and treatment of mental health problems in cancer patients: results from the 2018 German cancer survey. J Clin Oncol. 2018;36(30):162. doi:10.1200/JCO.2018.36.30_SUPPL.162. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
26.Given B, Given C. The burden of cancer caregivers. Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press; 2019. doi:10.1093/MED/9780190868567.003.0002. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
27.Chen C. Dependent independence: reframing aging and caregiving after China’s one-child policy. Gerontol. 2019;59(Supplement_1):3104. doi:10.1093/geroni/igz038.3104. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
Published
2024-12-04
How to Cite
Wang, W., & Li, L. (2024). Perspectives and Challenges of Family Members in Providing Mental Support to Cancer Patients: A Qualitative Study in Beijing, China. Psycho-Oncologie, 18(4). Retrieved from https://ojs.piscomed.com/index.php/PO/article/view/3839
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