Thesis Title: Determining Caregiving Burdens of Family Members or Relatives Who are Caregivers of Cancer Patients

Introduction and Objective: This study was conducted to determine caregiving burdens of family members or relatives who are caregivers of cancer patients. Supporting caregiving family members during this process was also aimed. Material and Method: This definitive study was conducted in relatives of 244 patients who admitted to Manisa Celal Bayar University, Hafsa Sultan Hospital, Medical Oncology Polyclinic between November 2016-November 2017. Data from research were assessed by using number, percentage distribution, standard deviation, mean, independent samples t-test, ANOVA test and chi-square test in SPSS 15.0 program. Results: Caregiving burden of 45.1% of the participants was found moderate. Caregiving burden of individuals with secondary school and higher education was found moderate with 51.7% and those with primary school and lower education was found severe with 45.2%. Caregiving burden of women and men were determined as severe with 40.0% and moderate with 60.9%, respectively. Conclusion: Caregiving burden was identified high in individuals with primary and lower educational level. Among the participants at 18-39 ages are found worring about their patients. As lower educational status might increase an individual's anxiety level, such individuals should be supported during disease period. As caregiving role is attributed to young people in society, particularly youth should be given support throughout disease caregiving.