INVESTIGATING LEVELS OF CARE BURDEN IN FAMILY CAREGIVERS OF PATIENTS WITH CANCER IN THE CITY OF ILAM IN 2017

Background: Since patients within a community are in need of help from caregivers, the health status of caregivers is of utmost importance. Thus, the purpose of the present study was to determine the levels of care burden among family caregivers of patients with cancer. Materials and Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, a total of 220 caregivers of patients with cancer in the city of Ilam in 2017 were surveyed. The instruments used in this study included a Demographic Characteristics Questionnaire and the Zarit Caregiver Burden Interview. The data obtained from this study were analyzed using descriptive statistics [means and standard deviations] and inferential statistics [Chi-square test and paired and independent t-tests]. Findings: Of the 220 caregiver participants in our study, 102 were male [46.4%], 116 were non widowed [52.7%], 77 were housewives [35%], 87 were parents [39.5%], and 135 were high school graduates [61.4%]. The average income level was 145 [65.9%] and none of the caregivers were caregivers without pressure. Most of the patients [201; 91.4%] had received intensive care. The average perceived caring pressure of caregivers was above 63.64% [17.77]. Conclusion: Considering the high levels of care burden in caregivers of patients with cancer and given the different effects of care burden on quality of life and health status of the caregivers, it is necessary to administer interventions in order to reduce levels of care burden among caregivers of patients with cancer. Keywords: Care Burden, Caregivers, Cancer