CAREGIVERS OF PATIENTS WITH CANCER AT THE END OF LIFE: PSYCHOLOGICAL SUFFERING AND REDUCED WELFARE

• Autor(a) principal: Ribeiro, Luis Eduardo Oliveira
• Data de Publicação: 2023
• Outros Autores: Garcia, João Batista Santos, Machado, Gabriel Santana, Bacelar, Maurilene
• Tipo de documento: preprint
• Idioma: por
• Título da fonte: SciELO Preprints
• Texto Completo: https://preprints.scielo.org/index.php/scielo/preprint/view/5753
• topic: cuidador; cuidados paliativos; bem-estar; ansiedade; depressão; caregiver; palliative care; well-being; anxiety; depression

Introduction: Caregivers of end-of-life patients are exposed to great emotional overload and suffering. This study aims to investigate signs of psychological distress (depression, anxiety and anguish) and the presence of well-being in caregivers of patients at the end of life hospitalized in an oncology palliative care ward. Methods: This is a cross-sectional descriptive study, which included a non-probabilistic sample of 90 main caregivers of individuals hospitalized in the palliative care sector of a cancer reference hospital. The subjects were assessed for the presence of well-being using the Well-Being Assessment Questionnaire (GCQ); the presence of anguish (distress) through the Distress Thermometer; and anxiety and depression by the Anxiety and Depression Scale. Statistical correlations were made between the variables. Results: Female caregivers who lived with the patient had lower levels of well-being. Anxious symptoms were present in 76%, with higher scores in caregivers with less education, who lived with the patient and who cared for other people. Depressive symptoms were present in 55%, with a higher rate in caregivers who lived with the patient. Women and caregivers who performed rotation had a higher distress score. Well-being was inversely proportional to depression, distress and anxiety. Conclusion: This analysis showed higher rates of depression, anxiety and anguish among caregivers, as well as lower well-being. The improvement in well-being can alleviate anxiety, depressive and anguish symptoms. Strategies to improve communication and welcoming in the hospital environment can promote well-being and reduce the symptoms of psychic illness in caregivers of patients at the end of life.