Correlation of Cancer Caregiver's Burden, Stress, and Their Quality of Life.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to examine the stress levels felt by family caregivers. The main objectives of this study are (a) the cross-examination of family caregiver's burden, (b) caregiver's stress levels and its impact on burden feeling, also (c) the effect of caregiving on caregiver's quality of life. METHODS: A quantitative method was developed, with the use and collection of anonymous questionnaires. Participants consisted of 121 family caregivers of patients under Home Parenteral Nutrition (HPN), along with the oversight of the company "Ygeias Erga and co." Tools that have been used for the needs of this study are a questionnaire with basic demographics: The Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI), Quality of life questionnaire (CarGQoL), and KINGSTON CAREGIVER STRESS SCALE (KCSS): Data were analyzed with SPSS 22. RESULTS: 65.3% of the participants were women with an average age of 50.7 years. 39.7% were patients' spouses and 26.4% were high school graduates. 31.7% of the participants suffered from a chronic disease, with 22.3% taking daily medication. 67.8% lived in the same house as the patient, 30.6% were taking care of the patient for 6-12 months, and 39.7% had no help from another person. 43.8% of patients were under HPN for 1-3 months. A negative correlation was found between all dimensions of the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI) and Kingston Caregiver Stress Scale and cancer caregiver CarGQoL scale scoring. Participants, who had help from another person permanently, had a better quality of life from others with no help whatsoever. Higher stress levels were found to be correlated with worse quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: Burden increase was found to be related to stress increase. Younger participants and patients' female spouses had higher levels of stress. The present research also found that stress related to financial issues had an important role. Family caregiver support is found to be a matter of great importance, and healthcare professionals have to pay attention to their needs.

Investigation of Health-Related Quality of Life, Anxiety and Satisfaction in Patients with Pulmonary Embolism.

BACKGROUND: Features of post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety may be present in pulmonary embolism (PE) patients, along with impaired quality of life (QoL). We aim to evaluate health-related QoL, anxiety and satisfaction with life in patients with PE. METHODS: Patients with PE were enrolled during their follow-up. All participants completed the Short Form 36 (SF-36) questionnaire, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) X1 and X2 forms, and the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS). RESULTS: 92 PE patients were included (mean age ± SD = 62.50 ± 15.33 years, 56.5% males). The median values of the SF-36 subscales were below the corresponding values of the Greek general population (besides the mental health (MH) subscale). Mean STAIX1 levels were 37.05 ± 11.17 and mean STAIX2 levels were 39.80 ± 10.47. Mean SWLS levels were 23.31 ± 6.58. According to multiple linear regression analysis, the MH and general health subscales were predictive of SWLS levels (F (10.76) = 10.576, p < 0.001, R2 = 0.581). The MH score (ß = -0.242, p < 0.01) and STAIX1 level (ß = 0.312, p < 0.001) (F (9.77) = 26.445, p < 0.001, R2 = 0.756) were predictive of STAIX2. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with PE exhibit slight satisfaction with life, borderline anxiety and impaired HRQoL.

Mental Health and Quality of Life in Pulmonary Embolism: A Literature Review.

Pulmonary embolismis an acute disease with chronic complications and, although it is not considered a chronic disease, it requires close follow-up. The scope of the present literature review is to decode the existing data concerning quality of life and the mental health impact of PE during the acute and long-term phases of the disease. The majority of studies reported impaired quality of life in patients with PE when compared to population norms, both in the acute phase and >3 months after PE. Quality of life improves over time, irrespectively of the measurement used. Fear of recurrences, elderly, stroke, obesity, cancer and cardiovascular comorbidities are independently associated with worse QoL at follow-up. Although disease specific instruments exist (e.g., the Pulmonary Embolism Quality of Life questionnaire), further research is required in order to develop questionnaires that may fulfil international guideline requirements. The fear of recurrences and the development of chronic symptoms, such as dyspnea or functional limitations, may further impair the mental health burden of PE patients. Mental health may be implicated by post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety and depressive symptoms present following the acute event. Anxiety may persist for 2 years following diagnosis and may be exaggerated by persistent dyspnea and functional limitations. Younger patients are at higher risk of anxiety and trauma symptoms while elderly patients and patients with previous cardiopulmonary disease, cancer, obesity or persistent symptoms exhibit more frequently impaired QoL. The optimal strategy for the assessment of mental health in this patient pool is not well defined in the literature. Despite mental burden being common following a PE event, current guidelines have not incorporated the assessment or management of mental health issues. Further studies are warranted to longitudinally assess the psychological burden and elucidate the optimal follow-up approach.