Relationship between care burden, burnout levels andquality of life of relatives of cancer patients receivingpalliative care

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CARE BURDEN, BURNOUT LEVELS AND QUALITY OF LIFE OF RELATIVES OF CANCER PATIENTS RECEIVING PALLIATIVE CARE ÇAM, Betül Master's Thesis, Division of Palliative Care Advisor: Assoc.Prof.Dr. Rıza ÇITIL August 2025, , xiii+ 88 pages This study investigated the relationship between caregiver burden and burnout levels and quality of life among relatives of cancer patients receiving palliative care. This descriptive, cross-sectional study focused on relatives of cancer patients receiving care in the Palliative Care and Medical Oncology units of Tokat Gaziosmanpaşa University Hospital between July and December 2024. The study sample consisted of individuals aged 18 and over who provide primary care to cancer patients receiving treatment in these units. Using G*Power 3.1.9.7 to determine the minimum sample size, a power analysis was performed. With a statistical power of 95%, a margin of error of 0.05, and an effect size of 0.25, the sample size required for inclusion in the study was calculated as 164. 144 relatives of cancer patients participated in the study (participation rate of 87.8%). To collect data, the Patient Information Form, the Caregiver Information Form, the Zarit Caregiver Burden Scale (CBBS), the Maslach Burnout Inventory (CBI), and the SF-36 Quality of Life Scale (SF-36 QOL) were applied to the participants via face-to-face interviews. SPSS Statistics Version 22.0 statistical package program was used in data analysis. Descriptive data are presented as number (n), percentage (%), and mean±standard deviation. Chi-square test, significance test for the difference between two means, and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used in intergroup comparisons. Pearson Correlation analysis was performed to examine the relationship between the scales. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. 52.1% (n=75) of the caregiver participants were female, and the mean age was 48.48±14.38 years. Participants' daily caregiving time was 11.13±8.57 hours, 31.3% had been providing care for between 1 and 6 months, and the vast majority (85.4%) were first-degree relatives. Of the cancer patients participating in the study, 50.7% (n=73) were male, and the mean age was 64.45±12.77 years. Regarding the level of social relationships, 20.1% had difficulty getting up and were unable to walk without support, while 9.7% were unable to get up at all. It was determined that 31.9% of those who could care for cancer patients in the field of palliative care had a light, 18.8% a moderate, and 8.3% a heavy care burden; 59.0% had low, 15.3% a moderate, and 25.7% a high level of emotional stress; 75% had low, 11.8% a moderate, and 13.2% a low, 18.8% a moderate, and 11.1% a low level of personal accomplishment perception. According to gender, caregiver burden (p=0.007), emotional exhaustion (p<0.001), and depersonalization (p=0.018) were found to be significantly higher in women. As the patient's bedridden level increased, caregiver burden and burnout levels significantly increased (p<0.001). As caregiver burden increased, burnout levels also increased, and significant decreases in quality of life, particularly in energy levels, mental health, and general physical/mental health, were observed. Being female, having a low income and education level, longer caregiving duration, and increasing patient symptoms were found to increase the perceived caregiver burden and burnout levels of relatives and reduce their quality of life. These findings suggest that increased caregiver burden and burnout in caregivers lead to significant decreases in quality of life. Providing psychosocial support to caregivers, providing training to enhance caregiving skills, and developing a caregiver-inclusive approach within the healthcare system are recommended. Keywords: Palliative care, Cancer, Family caregiver, Care burden, Burnout, Quality of life