The research of the level of depression and burnout syndrome that caring for cancer patient

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the burnout and depression levels of the relatives of cancer patients hospitalised in the Oncology 1 and Oncology 2 Services of Fırat University, Elazığ city centre and to provide suggestions for deficiencies in the light of the findings obtained. Material and Method: Our study is a descriptive and cross-sectional study and was carried out on 349 relatives of cancer patients in the Oncology 1 and Oncology 2 wards of Fırat University. Demographic characteristics of the caregivers, Beck Depression Scale and Maslach Burnout Scale were used in the questionnaire form. Statistical analyses In statistical analyses; mean, standard deviation, median minimum and maximum values were used in descriptive statistics of the data. The distribution of variables was measured by Kolmogorov Simirnov test. Kruskal-Wallis H test (Post-Hoc Dun-Bonferroni test), Mann Whitney U test were used in the analysis of quantitative independent data. Spearman Correlation test, Multivariate Logistic Regression Model were used to determine the relationship between variables. Significance level was accepted as 0.05. Results: The mean age of the caregivers who participated in our study was 42.99 years. The mean Beck Depression Scale score of primary caregivers was 15.07+9.17, the mean score of Emotional Exhaustion sub-dimension of Maslach Burnout Scale was 16.66+7.62, the mean score of Depersonalisation sub-dimension was 1.57+1.9 and the mean score of Low Personal Accomplishment sub-dimension was 12.57+4.49. It was determined that there was a significant positive correlation between Beck Depression Scale, Emotional Exhaustion and Low Personal Achievement scores and the age of the caregiver (r:0.434, p<0.05, r:0.360 p<0.05, r:0.268 p<0.05, respectively). In the study, factors such as gender, employment status, receiving help during care, caregiver's chronic disease status, caregiver's psychiatric treatment status, living in the same house with the patient, etc. were found to increase depression. Factors such as the presence of chronic disease of the caregiver, the status of the caregiver receiving psychiatric treatment, having experience in care, etc. were found to increase burnout. Factors such as the age of the patient and the stage of the disease were also found to increase depression and burnout. Conclusion: Cancer treatment programmes should include the follow-up of cancer patients as well as their primary caregivers in terms of mental health and quality of life. Assessment of the general condition of caregivers by health professionals, psychosocial support, reduction of depression and burnout, as well as improving the quality of care service will be appropriate. Key words: Cancer, Caregiver, Depression, Burnout