Enhancing Quality of Life for Family Caregivers of Cancer Patients: A Multicomponent Intervention Study in India.
A recent study conducted in India, published in the Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention in September 2021, explored the effectiveness of a multicomponent intervention on the quality of life of family caregivers of cancer patients. The study focused on caregivers of individuals with advanced-stage breast, head, and neck cancer undergoing treatment.
The study involved 193 participants, with 97 in the intervention group and 96 in the control group. The intervention group underwent a multicomponent program consisting of pranayama (breathwork), yogic relaxation, counseling, and education. This three-session program, each lasting 70 minutes, occurred in the first week, followed by weekly follow-ups and telephone reminders for continued practice of pranayama and relaxation at home. Counseling and education sessions, addressing symptom management and financial burden, were conducted for 20 and 30 minutes, respectively. The control group received no intervention.
Quality of life data was collected using standardized questionnaires at pre-test, and post-tests were conducted at 1 month and 3 months after the intervention. The study spanned from November 2016 to February 2019 in two tertiary care hospitals in India. Results indicated a substantial improvement in the quality of life for the intervention group, with scores increasing from 66.66 to 126.82 over the three-month follow-up period. In contrast, the control group also exhibited improvement, but to a lesser extent, with scores rising from 59.77 to 81.97.
Importantly, family caregivers in the intervention group reported an enhanced caregiving experience, leading to improved care provision for the patients and an overall enhancement in their own quality of life. This aspect is particularly relevant as caregivers often neglect their own needs due to their caregiving responsibilities.
The study concludes that non-pharmacological interventions, such as pranayama, yogic relaxation, counseling, and education, are valuable in reducing stress and promoting relaxation among family caregivers of cancer patients. The findings highlight the significance of addressing the well-being of caregivers, given their tendency to overlook their own needs while caring for cancer patients.
One notable limitation of the study is the uncertainty about the frequency of participants practicing pranayama and relaxation at home. This raises questions about the consistency and sustainability of the intervention's impact over time.
In conclusion, the study highlights the potential benefits of holistic interventions for family caregivers, emphasizing the need for further research to explore long-term adherence to such practices and their sustained impact on caregiver well-being.
Resources:
Nayak MG, George A. Effectiveness of Multicomponent Intervention on Quality of Life of Family Caregivers of Cancer Patients. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev. 2021 Sep 1;22(9):2789-2795. doi: 10.31557/APJCP.2021.22.9.2789. PMID: 34582647; PMCID: PMC8850909.