Health-related quality of life among family caregivers of oesophageal cancer survivors one year after curative intended treatment – a nationwide population-based study

Abstract

Background

To investigate factors that might influence the quality of life of the family caregivers of oesophageal cancer patients.

Material and methods

A cross-sectional study within a prospective, population-based nationwide cohort study including family caregivers to oesophageal cancer patients was conducted. The exposures were family caregivers’ age, sex, education level and patients’ tumour stage, postoperative complications, weight loss and comorbidities. The outcome was health-related quality of life (HRQL) one year after the patient’s cancer surgery measured by the RAND-36. Multivariable linear regression analysis provided mean score differences (MSD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results

In total 257 family caregivers were included. Family caregivers ≥65 years displayed lower physical function (MSD=-8.5; p = 0.001) but a higher level of energy (MSD = 9.2; p = 0.002). Those with a higher education level had less pain (MSD = 11.2; p = 0.01) and better physical function (MSD = 9.1; p = 0.006).

Among the patient related exposures, postoperative complications were associated with family caregivers’ physical function (MSD= −6.0; p = 0.01) and pain (MSD= −7.9; p = 0.01). Tumour stage and comorbidities were not associated with the HRQL of the family caregiver.

Conclusion

The study suggests that patients’ complications and age and education level of the family caregivers are associated with family caregivers HRQL. This information provides guidance in the process of creating support for family caregivers of oesophageal cancer patients.