Quality of life and related factors in caregivers of children with cancer in Iran

Purpose The aim of this study was to determine the quality of life and its related factors in the caregivers of children with cancer. Methods This cross-sectional study assessed the quality of life of 270 caregivers of children with cancer in Iran. Data collection tools were a personal information form and the Caregiver Quality of Life Index-Cancer. Data were analyzed by SPSS-18 software using descriptive and inferential statistics (independent t-test, analysis of variance, and linear regression model). Results The mean score of quality of life was 78.3 +/- 1.6 out of 140. Variables that were significantly associated with quality of life included age (p = .031), gender (p = .021), education (p = .048), occupation (p = .011), economic status (p = .038), average caring time (p = .021), and age of the child (p = .011). Conclusion The caregivers of children with cancer did not have a good quality of life. Healthcare providers need to provide comprehensive educational, emotional, social, and economic support to the caregivers of patients with cancer.

Automated summary

This study aimed to assess the quality of life and its associated factors in caregivers of children with cancer in Iran. The results showed that caregivers had a relatively low quality of life, and factors such as age, gender, education, occupation, economic status, average caring time, and age of the child were significantly associated with quality of life.