Determination of supportive care needs, self-efficacy and well-being of caregivers of cancer patients

ABSTRACT Objective: This research was planned as a descriptive study in order to determine the supportive care needs, self-efficacy and well-being of caregivers of cancer patients. Method: The sample of this study consisted of the caregivers of 253 cancer patients who were hospitalized in the Medical Oncology Service of the Health Sciences University Antalya Training and Research Hospital. After obtaining the permission of the ethics committee and the institution, the data of the study were collected between June 2020 and May 2021. Patient Identification Form, Caregiver Identification Form, Caregivers Supportive Care Needs Scale-TR, General Self-Efficacy Scale, Caregiver Kindness Scale were used to collect data. The SAS 9.4 program was used for the statistical analysis of the data obtained in the study. T test, F test, correlation and multivariate stepwise regression test were used for data analysis. Results: It was determined that the supportive care needs were close to the middle level (1.83±0.81), and the highest supportive care needs were in the field of health care and information (2.25±1.01). It was revealed that well-being levels were close to medium (135.53±25.19), basic needs (70.12±13.56) and vital activities were met at a moderate level (65.41±13.63), and self-efficacy level was high (29.02±7.21). It was found that there was a negative and low-level significant relationship between the supportive care needs of caregivers and the level of well-being and general self-efficacy. Conclusion: It was determined that the supportive care needs and well-being levels of the caregivers of cancer patients were close to the medium level, and the self-efficacy level was high. Reducing the supportive care needs of caregivers can increase their well-being and self-efficacy levels and positively affect the outcomes of the patients they care for. For this reason, it is recommended to establish training and support programs for caregivers. Key words: cancer, caregiver, supportive care need, self-efficacy, well-being, nursing