1
|
Neller SA, Hebdon MT, Wickens E, Scammon DL, Utz RL, Dassel KB, Terrill AL, Ellington L, Kirby AV. Family caregiver experiences and needs across health conditions, relationships, and the lifespan: a Qualitative analysis. Int J Qual Stud Health Well-being 2024; 19:2296694. [PMID: 38213230 PMCID: PMC10791097 DOI: 10.1080/17482631.2023.2296694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to understand the lived experiences of family caregivers who provide care to individuals across a broad range of ages, caregiving relationships, and health conditions and/or disabilities. Family caregiver research is typically siloed by health condition or by caregiving relationship, leaving gaps in understanding similarities and differences among caregivers. METHODS We hosted three virtual focus groups with diverse family caregivers (n = 26) caring for an individual with a long-term disability and/or health condition(s). We conducted a qualitative thematic analysis using an iterative, inductive process. RESULTS Participants primarily expressed shared experiences, despite having unique caregiving situations. We identified themes among a) caregiver experiences: Trying to Do It All, Balancing Complex Emotions, Managing Expectations, and Adjusting to Changes Over Time and b) caregiver needs: Longing for Breaks and Self-Care; Lacking Help, Support and Resources; and Desiring Understanding and Recognition. CONCLUSIONS These findings emphasize that many elements of the caregiving experience transcend care recipient age, condition, and relationship and are applicable to clinicians, researchers, and policy makers. The evidence of shared caregiver experiences can guide efficiencies in policy and practice (e.g., pooling of existing resources, expansion of interventions) to meet the needs of a broader population of caregivers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah A. Neller
- College of Nursing, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, USA
- College of Nursing, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | | | - Emily Wickens
- College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Debra L. Scammon
- David Eccles School of Business, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Rebecca L. Utz
- College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Kara B. Dassel
- College of Nursing, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | | | - Lee Ellington
- College of Nursing, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Anne V. Kirby
- College of Health, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Young S, Walter S, Wang K, Piamjariyakul U, Lewis F. The influence of spirituality on caregiver burden and quality of life in older adult informal caregivers. Geriatr Nurs 2024; 58:127-134. [PMID: 38797023 DOI: 10.1016/j.gerinurse.2024.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 05/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Caregiver burden (CB) reduces quality of life (QOL) and causes poor health outcomes. Spirituality impacts this relationship. AIMS To determine prevalence of CB and investigate relationships among CB, spirituality, and QOL in older U.S. adult informal caregivers (n = 754). METHODS This was a cross-sectional, descriptive secondary analysis of data from the 2020 Health and Retirement Study using GLM and SEM. RESULTS Caregiver mean age was 65.93 (SD=8.37). Caregivers were primarily female (n = 456, 54.0%), White (n = 500, 79.5%), and married (n = 469, 65.3%). Most caregivers had moderate CB (n = 369, 49.8%). Black caregivers who were spiritual (p=.031) and caregivers with a high school diploma/GED who were spiritual (p=.021) had lower CB. Lower CB was correlated with higher QOL (p=< 0.001). SEM depicting an influencing effect of spirituality revealed good model fit (NFI=0.988; IFI=0.993; TLI=0.983; PCFI=0.397, RMSEA=0.043; χ2=9.577, p=.048, DF=4) CONCLUSIONS: Fostering spirituality in older adult caregivers could reduce CB and improve QOL.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Young
- West Virginia University, School of Nursing, 64 Medical Center Dr., Morgantown, WV 26506, USA.
| | - Suzy Walter
- West Virginia University, School of Nursing, 64 Medical Center Dr., Morgantown, WV 26506, USA
| | - Kesheng Wang
- West Virginia University, School of Nursing, 64 Medical Center Dr., Morgantown, WV 26506, USA
| | - Ubolrat Piamjariyakul
- West Virginia University, School of Nursing, 64 Medical Center Dr., Morgantown, WV 26506, USA
| | - Feylyn Lewis
- Vanderbilt University, School of Nursing, 461 21st St Ave South, Nashville, TN 37240, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Fenton ATHR, Ornstein KA, Kent EE, Miller-Sonet E, Wright AA, Dionne-Odom JN. A comparison of adult-child and spousal cancer caregivers' participation in medical decisions. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0300450. [PMID: 38870142 PMCID: PMC11175391 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0300450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Family caregivers often play a key role in medical decision-making for patients with cancer. Adult-children account for nearly half of caregivers, but often have less experience with serious illness care and decision-making and face unique relational challenges as the patient's child. Yet little research explores the potentially distinctive decision-making, involvement in decisions, and support needs of adult-child caregivers. METHODS Analysis of survey data of U.S. cancer caregivers conducted by CancerCare® in 2021. Chi-square tests and multivariable regression models assessed whether adult-child and spousal caregivers differed on the type of medical decisions they participated in (e.g., treatment planning, medication management), who made the decision (e.g., caregiver or joint decision), and the resources that informed decisions (e.g., friends and family, education materials). RESULTS Adult-children (N = 892) were less likely than spouses (N = 314) to participate in treatment planning (beta = -0.41; 95%CI = -0.81,-0.01), but more likely to be involved in decisions about whether to challenge medical authority (e.g., seeking alternative treatment, second opinion) (beta = 0.50; 95%CI = 0.22,0.78). Compared to spouses, adult-children made joint decisions with patients less often (-13.2-percentage points; 95%CI = -19.64,-6.67) and acted as primary decision-maker more frequently (5.60-percentage points; 95%CI = 0.01,10.43). More adult-children than spouses sought help and information regarding decisions from the oncology team (8.42-percentage points; 95%CI = 1.98,14.87) and friends and family (7.91-percentage points; 95%CI = 1.34,14.48). CONCLUSIONS How cancer caregivers and patients are related to each other shapes caregivers' medical decision-making. Adult-children's and spouses' probabilities of participating in and influencing decisions differed for certain types of decisions while adult-children were more likely to seek information and social support regarding decisions. These findings highlight the importance of the patient's and caregiver's relationship type in medical decision-making, suggesting that decision support programs may be more effective if they tailor programs by relationship type.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anny T. H. R. Fenton
- Division of Population Sciences, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Katherine A. Ornstein
- Center for Equity in Aging, Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - Erin E. Kent
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America
| | | | - Alexi A. Wright
- Division of Population Sciences, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, United States of America
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - J. Nicholas Dionne-Odom
- School of Nursing, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States of America
- Division of Gerontology, Geriatrics and Palliative Care, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Lin Q, Dong X, Huang T, Zhou H. Care dependency in older stroke patients with comorbidities: a latent profile analysis. Front Aging Neurosci 2024; 16:1366380. [PMID: 38863785 PMCID: PMC11165196 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2024.1366380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives To explore latent profiles of care dependency in older stroke patients with comorbidities and to analyze the factors influencing different latent profiles. Methods A total of 312 older ischemic stroke patients with comorbidities were included in the analysis. Latent Profile Analysis (LPA) was used to classify the participants into potential subgroups with different types of care dependency. The influencing factors of the classification of care dependency subgroups were determined using multivariate Logistic regression analysis. Results The care dependency score of older ischemic stroke patients with comorbidities was (51.35 ± 13.19), and the patients could be classified into 3 profiles, namely Universal dependency (24.0%), Moderate activity-social-learning dependency (28.0%), and Mild activity-social-learning dependency (48.0%); caregiver, BI at admission, and functional impairments were independent factors influencing care dependency (P < 0.05). Conclusion There are three latent profiles of care dependency in older ischemic stroke patients with comorbidities. According to the characteristics of various populations, medical staff are able to implement specific interventions to lower the level of dependency and further improve the quality of life of patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qinger Lin
- Department of Nursing, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- School of Nursing, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaohang Dong
- Department of Neurology, Nanfang Hospital Baiyun Branch, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tianrong Huang
- Department of Neurology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hongzhen Zhou
- Department of Nursing, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- School of Nursing, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Bratches RWR, Freundlich NZ, Odom JN, O'Malley AJ, Barr PJ. Communicating visit information to family caregivers: How does method matter? A national survey. Palliat Support Care 2024:1-8. [PMID: 38654707 DOI: 10.1017/s1478951524000427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The clinic visit is a critical point of contact for family caregivers. However, only 37% of family caregivers are able to accompany patients to visits. When they cannot attend, caregivers receive visit information to assist with their caregiving. However, little is known about how method of receiving information from clinic visits is associated with important caregiver outcomes. This study sought to determine whether mode of receiving clinic visit information (speaking with the patient, attending the visit, or using an after-visit summary [AVS]) was associated with changes in caregiver burden, caregiver preparedness, and the positive aspects of caregiving. METHODS Cross-sectional web-based survey of a national sample of adult family caregivers. Multiple linear regression models determined associations between communication modes and caregivers' burden, preparedness, and positive aspects of caregiving, adjusting for sociodemographic covariates. RESULTS Respondents (N = 340) were mostly male (58%), White (59%), ranged from 18 to 85 years old, and supported patients with conditions including diabetes, dementia, and cancer. Speaking with patients was associated with increases in positive aspects of caregiving (95% CI = 2.01, 5.42) and an AVS was associated with increases in positive aspects of caregiving (95% CI = 0.4, 3.56) and preparedness for caregiving (95% CI = 0.61, 3.15). Using any method of receiving information from visits was associated with the greatest increase in preparedness, compared to not receiving visit information. We did not observe an association between method of communication and caregiver burden. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS Method of communicating visit information is associated with improvements in caregiver preparedness and the positive aspects of caregiving, though caregiver burden may be unaffected by information exchange. Given the limitations of current communication methods, future work should explore directionality of the associations we found and identify visit communication strategies with caregivers that optimize caregiver and patient outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Reed W R Bratches
- Center for Technology and Behavioral Health, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, USA
- School of Nursing, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Noah Z Freundlich
- Center for Technology and Behavioral Health, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - J Nicholas Odom
- School of Nursing, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - A James O'Malley
- Center for Technology and Behavioral Health, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - Paul J Barr
- Center for Technology and Behavioral Health, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Hastert TA, Kyko JM, Ruterbusch JJ, Robinson JRM, Kamen CS, Beebe-Dimmer JL, Nair M, Thompson HS, Schwartz AG. Caregiver costs and financial burden in caregivers of African American cancer survivors. J Cancer Surviv 2024; 18:565-574. [PMID: 36274101 DOI: 10.1007/s11764-022-01271-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE People with cancer commonly rely on loved ones as informal caregivers during and after treatment. Costs related to caregiving and their association with caregiver financial burden are not well understood. METHODS Results include data from 964 caregivers of African American cancer survivors in the Detroit Research on Cancer Survivors (ROCS) cohort. Caregiving costs include those related to medications, logistics (e.g., transportation), and medical bills. Financial burden measures included caregiver financial resources, strain, and difficulty paying caregiving costs. Prevalence ratios (PR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of associations between costs and high financial burden were calculated using modified Poisson models controlling for caregiver characteristics. RESULTS Caregivers included spouses (36%), non-married partners (8%), family members (48%), and friends (9%). Nearly two-thirds (64%) of caregivers reported costs related to caregiving. Logistical costs were the most common (58%), followed by medication costs (35%) and medical bills (17%). High financial hardship was reported by 38% of caregivers. Prevalence of high financial hardship was 52% (95% CI: 24%, 86%) higher among caregivers who reported any versus no caregiver costs. Associations between caregiver costs and high financial burden were evident for costs related to medications (PR: 1.33, 95% CI: 1.12, 1.58), logistics (PR: 1.57, 95% CI: 1.29, 1.92), and medical bills (PR: 1.57, 95% CI: 1.28, 1.92). CONCLUSIONS Most caregivers experienced costs related to caregiving, and these costs were associated with higher prevalence of high caregiver financial burden. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS Informal caregivers experience financial hardship related to cancer along with cancer survivors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Theresa A Hastert
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA.
- Population Studies and Disparities Research Program, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA.
| | - Jaclyn M Kyko
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
- Population Studies and Disparities Research Program, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - Julie J Ruterbusch
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
- Population Studies and Disparities Research Program, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - Jamaica R M Robinson
- Center for Research On End-of-Life Care, Division of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Charles S Kamen
- Department of Surgery, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Jennifer L Beebe-Dimmer
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
- Population Studies and Disparities Research Program, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - Mrudula Nair
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
- Population Studies and Disparities Research Program, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - Hayley S Thompson
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
- Population Studies and Disparities Research Program, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - Ann G Schwartz
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
- Population Studies and Disparities Research Program, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Baik D, Centi S, McNair B. Caregiving intensity and duration, cardiovascular disease, and race/ethnicity in family caregivers of persons with dementia. Geriatr Nurs 2024; 56:173-183. [PMID: 38354660 PMCID: PMC10990827 DOI: 10.1016/j.gerinurse.2024.02.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
We investigated if caregiving intensity and duration affected cardiovascular disease (CVD) risks and diagnosis and whether the relationship differed by race and ethnicity in family caregivers (FCGs) of persons with dementia. We conducted a secondary analysis of the 2015-2020 CDC Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data using a logistic regression analysis. A total of 6132 dementia FCGs were included. We found that the more time FCGs spent providing care per week (intensity) or over time (duration), the more likely they reported CVD risks and diagnosis. However, the associations between caregiving intensity and CVD risks and diagnosis did not differ by race and ethnicity, nor did the associations between caregiving duration and the outcomes. These findings suggest future studies should be conducted to develop preventive strategies for FCGs' cardiovascular health. Further work is needed to identify the impact of race and ethnicity on the relationship between caregiving conditions and CVD with larger samples of racial and ethnic minorities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dawon Baik
- College of Nursing, University of Colorado, 13120 E. 19th Ave., Aurora, CO 80045, USA.
| | - Sophia Centi
- College of Nursing, University of Colorado, 13120 E. 19th Ave., Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Bryan McNair
- Department of Biostatistics and Informatics, Colorado School of Public Health University of Colorado, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Ciydem E, Sinmaz T. Qualitative evaluation of the life experiences of spouses of prostate cancer patients receiving androgen deprivation therapy. Support Care Cancer 2023; 31:571. [PMID: 37698690 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-023-08047-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study was conducted to qualitatively evaluate the life experiences of women whose spouses had been receiving androgen deprivation therapy. METHODS The purposive sample of the research, in which a descriptive phenomenological design was used, consisted of 15 women. The data were evaluated according to Colaizzi's phenomenological analysis steps. RESULTS The views of the participants were classified into 7 themes: loss and grief, physical difficulties, socioeconomic difficulties, psychological difficulties, relational changes, strengths, and benefits. CONCLUSION It was determined that women whose husbands had been receiving ADT experienced grief responses and physical, socioeconomic, and psychological difficulties. Psychological difficulties were found to include care burden, hospital stress, sexuality, and burnout. It was observed that the patients and their spouses experienced some positive and negative relational changes. Satisfaction with health services and resilience were facilitating factors for female spouses to adapt to the treatment process. It was determined that during the adaptation to the disease and treatment process, the participants had some needs such as family support, economic support, reduction of negative representations in the media, and enhancement of communication skills of health professionals. Moreover, they were found to have some benefits related to post-traumatic growth. Uro-oncology nurses can develop services intended to improve the well-being of the wives of men receiving ADT and use the knowledge and experience of uro-oncology nursing for the benefit of both patients and caregivers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emre Ciydem
- Department of Mental Health and Psychiatric Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Bandırma Onyedi Eylul University, Balıkesir, Turkey
| | - Tugba Sinmaz
- Department of Surgical Diseases Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Bandırma Onyedi Eylul University, Balıkesir, Turkey.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Fisher CL, Campbell-Salome G, Bagautdinova D, Wright KB, Forthun LF, Bacharz KC, Mullis MD, Wolf B, Pereira DB, Spiguel L, Bylund CL. Young Adult Caregiving Daughters and Diagnosed Mothers Navigating Breast Cancer Together: Open and Avoidant Communication and Psychosocial Outcomes. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3864. [PMID: 37568680 PMCID: PMC10417340 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15153864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 01/01/1970] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
For many diagnosed mothers and their daughters, breast cancer is a shared experience. However, they struggle to talk about cancer. This is particularly true when the daughter is in adolescence or young adulthood, as they tend to be more avoidant, which is associated with poorer biopsychosocial outcomes. When daughters are their mother's caregivers, daughters' burden and distress are heightened. Young adult caregiving daughters (YACDs) are the second most common family caregiver and encounter more distress and burden than other caregiver types. Yet, YACDs and their diagnosed mothers receive no guidance on how to talk about cancer. Thirty-nine mother/YACD pairs participated in an online survey to identify challenging topics and strategies for talking about cancer, and to explore associations between openness/avoidance and psychosocial outcomes. YACDs and mothers reported the same challenging topics (death, treatment-related issues, negative emotions, relational challenges, YACDs' disease risk) but differed on why they avoided the topic. YACDs and mothers identified the same helpful approaches to navigate conversations (openness, staying positive, third-party involvement, avoidance). Avoidance was correlated with more distress whereas openness was correlated with better psychosocial outcomes. These results provide a psychosocial map for a mother-YACD communication skills intervention, which is key to promoting healthy outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carla L. Fisher
- Department of Health Outcomes and Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; (M.D.M.); (C.L.B.)
| | | | - Diliara Bagautdinova
- Department of Advertising, College of Journalism and Communications, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA;
| | - Kevin B. Wright
- Department of Communication, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA;
| | - Larry F. Forthun
- Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA;
| | - Kelsey C. Bacharz
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, College of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; (K.C.B.); (D.B.P.)
| | - M. Devyn Mullis
- Department of Health Outcomes and Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; (M.D.M.); (C.L.B.)
| | - Bianca Wolf
- Department of Communication Studies, University of Puget Sound, Tacoma, WA 98416, USA;
| | - Deidre B. Pereira
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, College of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; (K.C.B.); (D.B.P.)
| | - Lisa Spiguel
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA;
| | - Carma L. Bylund
- Department of Health Outcomes and Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; (M.D.M.); (C.L.B.)
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Wright KB, Bylund CL, Vasquez TS, Mullis MD, Sae-Hau M, Weiss ES, Bagautdinova D, Fisher CL. Adult-Child Caregivers' Family Communication Experiences after an Older Parent's Blood Cancer Diagnosis: A Survey Exploring Their Openness, Avoidance, and Social Support. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3177. [PMID: 37370787 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15123177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Adult-child caregivers of an aging parent living with a blood cancer describe struggling to communicate with one another and within the family system. They may avoid critical care conversations, which may impede care and their ability to receive social support. We examined what approaches adult-child caregivers of a parent diagnosed with a blood cancer use to enhance their family communication, the topics they find most challenging to discuss, and the roles of openness and support. We used qualitative and quantitative approaches to analyze data from a larger online survey study. In partnership with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, we recruited 121 adult-child caregivers. Responses to one open-ended item were analyzed to capture strategies used to enhance communication with their parent and family. They reported utilizing digital communication modalities, prioritizing frequent communication, engaging in openness, establishing boundaries, kinkeeping, and enacting support. Within the quantitative data, we further explored two of these themes (openness and support) and their relationships to other variables using t-tests and regression analysis. Adult-child caregivers and diagnosed parents avoid talking about mortality and negative feelings. Openness in the family about cancer was linked to caregivers' perceptions of receiving social support. Findings demonstrate that cultivating openness between midlife adult children and diagnosed parents may enhance opportunities to receive support.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kevin B Wright
- Department of Communication, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA
| | - Carma L Bylund
- Department of Health Outcomes and Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Taylor S Vasquez
- Department of Advertising, College of Journalism and Communications, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - M Devyn Mullis
- Department of Health Outcomes and Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Maria Sae-Hau
- The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Rye Brook, NY 10573, USA
| | - Elisa S Weiss
- The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Rye Brook, NY 10573, USA
| | - Diliara Bagautdinova
- Department of Advertising, College of Journalism and Communications, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Carla L Fisher
- Department of Health Outcomes and Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Kroll JL, Jones M, Chen AB, Yang CC, Carmack CL, Cohen L, Bruera E, Milbury K. End-of-Life Care, Symptom Burden, and Quality of Life in Couples Facing Stage IV Lung Cancer: The Role of Patient and Spousal Psychospirituality and Discussions Around Fear of Death and Disease Progression. J Palliat Med 2023; 26:690-696. [PMID: 36856536 PMCID: PMC10150712 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2022.0376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: As patients live longer with stage IV nonsmall cell lung cancer, correlates of end-of-life (EOL) care and experience are increasingly relevant. Methods: We, therefore, prospectively examined associations among psychospirituality (Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Spiritual Well-Being), discussions around fear of death and disease progression, and hospital-based EOL care in patients and caregivers. Patients additionally reported symptom burden (MD Anderson Symptom Inventory-Lung Cancer total) and quality of life (QOL) (quality-of-life at EOL). Results: Of the baseline patients (n = 75), 32% were alive at time of the analyses (mean = 4.6 years postbaseline). Deceased patients (n = 51) were middle aged (mean = 65.3 years) and non-Hispanic White (81%). Caregiver spiritual well-being (r = 0.34, p = 0.02) and depression (r = -0.31, p = 0.03) were associated with EOL care metrics. Patients who "held back" more of their fear of death or disease progression experienced greater symptom burden (r = 0.41, p < 0.001) and poorer QOL (r = -0.44, p < 0.001). Conclusion: For couples facing prolonged metastatic disease, psychospirituality is highly relevant to EOL care with potential sequelae of withholding one's fear regarding death or disease progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juliet L. Kroll
- Department of Behavioral Science, Rehabilitation, and Integrative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Morgan Jones
- Department of Behavioral Science, Rehabilitation, and Integrative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Aileen B. Chen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Rehabilitation, and Integrative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Chunyi Claire Yang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Rehabilitation, and Integrative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Cindy L. Carmack
- Department of Palliative, Rehabilitation, and Integrative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Lorenzo Cohen
- Department of Palliative, Rehabilitation, and Integrative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Eduardo Bruera
- Department of Palliative, Rehabilitation, and Integrative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Kathrin Milbury
- Department of Behavioral Science, Rehabilitation, and Integrative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Shoults CC, Rutherford MW, Kemp AS, Addicott MA, Brown A, Greene CJ, Hayes CJ, Gan JM, Larson-Prior LJ, Bona JP. Analysis of Caregiver Burden Expressed in Social Media Discussions. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:1933. [PMID: 36767297 PMCID: PMC9915402 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20031933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Almost 40% of US adults provide informal caregiving, yet research gaps remain around what burdens affect informal caregivers. This study uses a novel social media site, Reddit, to mine and better understand what online communities focus on as their caregiving burdens. These forums were accessed using an application programming interface, a machine learning classifier was developed to remove low information posts, and topic modeling was applied to the corpus. An expert panel summarized the forums' themes into ten categories. The largest theme extracted from Reddit's forums discussed the personal emotional toll of being a caregiver. This was followed by logistic issues while caregiving and caring for parents who have cancer. Smaller themes included approaches to end-of-life care, physical equipment needs when caregiving, and the use of wearables or technology to help monitor care recipients. The platform often discusses caregiving for parents which may reflect the age of Reddit's users. This study confirms that Reddit forums are used for caregivers to discuss the burdens associated with their role and the types of stress that can result from informal caregiving.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Catherine C. Shoults
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
| | - Michael W. Rutherford
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
| | - Aaron S. Kemp
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
| | - Merideth A. Addicott
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA
| | - Aliza Brown
- Department of Neurology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
| | - Carolyn J. Greene
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
| | - Corey J. Hayes
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
- VA HSR&D COIN Center for Mental Healthcare and Outcomes Research, Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
| | - Jennifer M. Gan
- Department of Medical Humanities and Bioethics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
| | - Linda J. Larson-Prior
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
- Department of Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
| | - Jonathan P. Bona
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Zan H, Shin SH. The positive impact of informal spousal caregiving on the physical activity of older adults. Front Public Health 2022; 10:977846. [PMID: 36589971 PMCID: PMC9800888 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.977846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Although physical activity (PA) is crucial for health, the literature is mixed about how individuals' PA decisions are affected by their spouses. To fill this gap, we examined the extent to which providing care for one spouse affects the PA of the other spouse among those aged 50 or older in the United States. Methods We analyzed 9,173 older adults living with their spouses or partners from the 2004 to 2016 waves of the Health and Retirement Study. To identify the causal effect of spousal caregiving on the PA of older adults, we estimated individual-fixed effects models using a two-stage least squared instrumental variable approach with spousal falls as our instrument. We also estimated the models by splitting the sample by gender and race/ethnicity to identify heterogeneous impacts of spousal caregiving on PA decisions among subgroups. Results We found that a one percentage point increase in the probability of providing care to spouses led to an increase in the probability of initiating moderate or vigorous PA (MVPA) by 0.34-0.52 percentage points. This effect was salient, especially among female and non-Hispanic white older adults. Discussion Caregiving experience might provide opportunities to learn about caregiving burdens and trigger an emotional response about the salience of an event (i.e., they need care in the future). Older caregivers might start MVPA in an effort to improve or maintain their health and avoid burdening their families for caregiving in the future. This study demonstrated spousal influence on PA. Instead of delivering PA-promotion information (e.g., the harm of sedentary lifestyle and benefits of regular PA) to individuals, risk communication and education efforts on PA promotion might be more effective considering the family context. Family events such as health shocks or the emergence of caregiving needs from family members provide windows of opportunities for intervening. Subgroup differences should also be considered in targeted interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hua Zan
- Center on the Family, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI, United States,*Correspondence: Hua Zan, ✉
| | - Su Hyun Shin
- Department of Family and Consumer Studies, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Utz RL, Warner EL. Caregiver burden among diverse caregivers. Cancer 2022; 128:1904-1906. [PMID: 35285941 PMCID: PMC9038644 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.34171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca L Utz
- Department of Sociology and Family Caregiving Collaborative, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Echo L Warner
- College of Nursing and Family Caregiving Collaborative, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| |
Collapse
|