What question did this study set out to answer?

The study aims to investigate the psychological impact of cancer on caregivers, including psychiatric morbidity and quality of life.

April 22, 2026Open Access

Psychiatric Morbidity, Caregiver Burden, and Quality of Life Among Caregivers of Patients With Cancer: A Cross-Sectional Study From a Tertiary Care Center in India

Puntos clave

The study aims to investigate the psychological impact of cancer on caregivers, including psychiatric morbidity and quality of life.
Conducted a hospital-based cross-sectional study with 400 caregivers of cancer patients
Assessed caregiver burden using the Zarit Burden Interview and quality of life using the CQOLC
Evaluated psychiatric morbidity through clinical interviews and DSM-5 criteria
42% of caregivers were diagnosed with depression and 18% with anxiety
40% reported mild to severe caregiver burden, with a mean burden score of 19.18 ± 12.28
Mean quality-of-life score was 98.03 ± 12.46, indicating moderate impairment

Resumen

Background: Cancer is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide and has a profound psychological impact not only on patients but also on their caregivers. Caregivers often experience significant emotional distress, including anxiety, depression, and caregiver burden, which may adversely affect their quality of life. Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted over six months (January 2021 to June 2021) at the Radiation Oncology Department of SSG Hospital, Vadodara, India. A total of 400 caregivers of cancer patients were recruited. Data were collected using a structured proforma. Caregiver burden was assessed using the Zarit Burden Interview, and quality of life was assessed using the Caregiver Quality of Life Index-Cancer (CQOLC). Psychiatric morbidity was assessed through clinical interviews, and diagnoses of depression and anxiety were made based on DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition) criteria. Severity was further evaluated using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale and Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale. Results: Among 400 caregivers, 42% were diagnosed with depression and 18% with anxiety based on clinical evaluation. A substantial proportion of caregivers experienced caregiver burden, with 40% reporting mild to severe levels. The mean caregiver burden score was 19.18 ± 12.28, and the mean quality-of-life score was 98.03 ± 12.46, indicating moderate impairment. Caregiver burden was significantly associated with sociodemographic variables and illness-related factors, including advanced stage of cancer. Conclusion: Caregivers of cancer patients experience substantial psychological distress, caregiver burden, and reduced quality of life. These findings highlight the need for routine psychological screening and structured psychosocial interventions targeting caregivers as an integral component of comprehensive cancer care.

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Cite This Study

Thorat et al. (Sun,) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/69e864c46e0dea528dde9658 https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.107350

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