RESUMO
BACKGROUND: The effect of cancer diagnosis affects the psychological well-being of the caregivers of cancer patients and results in a risk of psychiatric morbidity. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated factors of depression among primary caregivers of adult cancer patients. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the magnitude of depression and associated factors among primary caregivers of adult cancer patients. METHODOLOGY: Hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among primary caregivers of adult cancer patients. The convenient sampling method used to recruit caregivers of cancer patients. The data was collected by using the Amharic version patient health questionnaire and analyzed by SPSS version 25. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the prevalence of depression and bivariable and multivariable regression models were used to determine the net effect of each independent variable on depression. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of depression among adult cancer patient caregivers was 54.1% (95% CI 47.6, 60.6). Household size < 3; (AOR = 4.5, 95% CI: 1.1-13), Monthly income < 600 (AOR = 2.8, 95% CI:2.5-15.9), Caring hours ≥ 9 (AOR = 9, 95% CI:4-21), Burden level ≥ 20 ;(AOR = 10.7, 95% CI:9.3-11.6) were independent factors of depression among primary caregivers of cancer patients. CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed a higher prevalence of depressed symptoms among primary caregivers of cancer patients. Long caring hours, small household size, low-income level, and higher burden level were independent factors of caregiver depression, indicating the urgent necessity to investigate and deal with it through interdisciplinary approaches.
RESUMO
PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to explore breast cancer (BC) challenges to identify opportunities for advocacy in southern Ethiopia in 2022. METHODS: Twenty-five participants from four local districts (kebeles) in Hawassa City were selected as key contributors to future work. Semistructured in-depth interviews were held for two clinicians, two local health bureau managers, two media managers, and three religious leaders. Two focus group discussions were conducted: one included six BC survivors and a caregiver; the other included two health extension workers, three members of the Women's Development Group, two community volunteers, one kebele leader, and one traditional healer. RESULTS: To our knowledge, our study was the first time that most participants had assembled. Many referred to patients as victims and BC as a killer disease or curse. Community and religious leaders were concerned about challenges and willing to collaborate. Survivors, providers, and religious leaders were identified as key sources of information, positive messages, and leadership. CONCLUSION: Recommendations for advocacy work in Hawassa include lobbying for BC as a health priority; including BC within the health extension package; initiating programs for earlier detection; educating the community to remove stigmas of the disease and treatments; working with media to disseminate messages that are inclusive of people in remote areas and speaking different languages; improving availability, affordability, and access to care; and assisting patients with psychosocial support. A strategic collaboration between religious leaders and health care providers was identified to increase community awareness and support advocacy for patients.