ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: This study examined the psychosocial adjustment and needs of family caregivers of head and neck cancer survivors at 6-24 months posttreatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Family caregivers of head and neck cancer survivors (N=89) completed mailed questionnaires that assessed demographic variables, mental health, quality of life, and practical and informational needs. RESULTS: Thirty-eight percent of caregivers reported moderate to high distress. However, quality of life scores for the entire sample (N=89) were better than the scores reported in initial validation studies on caregivers of patients undergoing active cancer treatment. Greater time spent caregiving was associated with worse psychological well-being, but also more positive adaptation to caregiving. In addition, 39% of caregivers reported that all of their practical and informational needs were being met. CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest that research and clinical efforts are needed to address the psychosocial concerns of this population.
Subject(s)
Aftercare/psychology , Caregivers/psychology , Caregivers/statistics & numerical data , Head and Neck Neoplasms/rehabilitation , Quality of Life , Survivors , Adaptation, Psychological , Adult , Aftercare/statistics & numerical data , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Female , Humans , Male , Mental Health/statistics & numerical data , Middle Aged , Needs Assessment , Population Surveillance , Social Adjustment , Surveys and QuestionnairesABSTRACT
Preoperative psychological distress has been shown to predict both postoperative distress and subsequent cardiac morbidity in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. This study assessed the associations between illness perceptions and psychological well-being among 56 patients awaiting CABG surgery using the Profile of Mood States (POMS) and the Illness Perception Questionnaire-Revised (IPQ-R). Patient perceptions of their illness as chronic were associated with reduced beliefs in both personal control over illness and efficacy of treatment, and increased perceived consequences of illness in terms of life functioning. In addition, psychological distress regarding illness was significantly correlated with psychological distress in general. Reduced illness coherence was also associated with increased psychological distress. Preoperative psycho-education aimed at helping patients better understand their illness, treatment, and its effects may reduce psychological distress, and perhaps improve future well-being as a result.
