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Impact of COVID-19 on cancer caregivers: Results from the Global Carer Well-being Index
Journal of Clinical Oncology ; 40(6 SUPPL), 2022.
Article in English | EMBASE | ID: covidwho-1779703
ABSTRACT

Background:

Caregiver burden has been intensified by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Carer Well-being Index is a global research study commissioned by Embracing Carers, a partnered initiative with nine global caregiving organizations. The study sought to explore and delineate the impact of the pandemic on the health and well-being of caregivers across the globe, including those caring for persons with cancer.

Methods:

The survey was conducted via online and phone methodologies in September and October 2020, with over 9,000 unpaid carers across 12 countries, including the United States and Canada. Unpaid carers were defined as those who care for someone with a long-term illness (e.g., cancer), physical disability (e.g., spinal cord injury), or cognitive/mental condition (e.g., Alzheimer's). The base sample size for cancer caregivers from the global surveyed population was n=1035. Statistically significant differences between cancer carers and non-cancer carers were evaluated using the Chi-square test with p ≤ 0.05.

Results:

63% of all caregivers were women, with a 60/40 female to male split in the cancer carer group. While the average age of started caregiving was 37.2 years, and 39.0 in cancer carers, caregivers caring for someone with cancer were more likely than the average caregiver to be in the 60+ age group. Compared to non-cancer caregivers surveyed, a higher percentage of cancer caregivers became carers in the last year (26 vs 13% of non-cancer caregivers). Providing emotional support, managing doctor appointments, preparing meals, home maintenance and housekeeping, transportation, and giving/managing medications were more likely to be among cancer caregivers' primary responsibilities, compared to non-cancer caregivers. Cancer carers were significantly more likely than non-cancer carers to have reported negative impacts because of COVID on their emotional/mental, physical, and financial health, and paid work responsibilities. Overall, cancer caregivers were significantly more likely to report that COVID has made caregiving harder than non-cancer caregivers (71 vs 63%), and were more likely to report never receiving support from a variety of organizations, such as insurance organizations (71 vs. 66% non-cancer caregivers) and local/state government (73 vs. 66%). Of note, cancer carers were more likely to report a positive impact on the relationship with the person being cared for (61 vs. 56%).

Conclusions:

These results highlight the burdens that have been intensified for cancer carers. Actions are needed to help with health and well-being such as offering and promoting mental health services, respite care;providing financial support to take leaves from paid work, access to equipment and services such as housecleaning. By working together with health care providers, organizations, and government on these types of initiatives, the burden upon cancer caregivers can be lessened.
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Full text: Available Collection: Databases of international organizations Database: EMBASE Type of study: Experimental Studies Language: English Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology Year: 2022 Document Type: Article

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Full text: Available Collection: Databases of international organizations Database: EMBASE Type of study: Experimental Studies Language: English Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology Year: 2022 Document Type: Article