Quality of life of family members caring for chemotherapy patients researched

In a study conducted in the chemotherapy unit of a private hospital, the quality of life of family members caring for chemotherapy patients was examined. It was found that 55.8% of the caregivers were female, 82.5% were married and 61.7% were not working. It was found that the quality of life and emotional attitudes of female caregivers were worse, while working caregivers were economically affected.

Istanbul Beykent University Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Nursing Lecturer Şule Çalışır Kundakçı and Prof. Dr. Birsen Yürügen, the results of the study on “Research on the Quality of Life of Family Members Caring for Patients Receiving Chemotherapy” were published.

“Employees are economically affected”

Sharing the striking findings of the research, Şule Çalışır Kundakçı said, “Although the general physical health of family members is good, their psychological and economic effects are moderate. 55.8% of caregivers are women, 82.5% are married and 61.7% are not working. Age, education, marital status, occupation and having children do not affect the quality of family life. The quality of life and emotional attitudes of female caregivers are worse than other groups, and workers are economically affected.”

Stating that the physical health of those whose relationship with the patient is negatively affected deteriorates more, Kundakçı said, “58% of the relatives of the patients want to receive support from healthcare personnel during the care process, while 49.2% prefer to receive this support via telephone.”