Quality of life and related factors in caregivers of children with cancer in Iran.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine the quality of life and its related factors in the caregivers of children with cancer. METHODS: This cross-sectional study assessed the quality of life of 270 caregivers of children with cancer in Iran. Data collection tools were a personal information form and the Caregiver Quality of Life Index-Cancer. Data were analyzed by SPSS-18 software using descriptive and inferential statistics (independent t-test, analysis of variance, and linear regression model). RESULTS: The mean score of quality of life was 78.3 ± 1.6 out of 140. Variables that were significantly associated with quality of life included age (p = .031), gender (p = .021), education (p = .048), occupation (p = .011), economic status (p = .038), average caring time (p = .021), and age of the child (p = .011). CONCLUSION: The caregivers of children with cancer did not have a good quality of life. Healthcare providers need to provide comprehensive educational, emotional, social, and economic support to the caregivers of patients with cancer.