open access

Vol 16, No 1 (2022)
Research paper
Published online: 2021-10-27
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Informational and supportive needs of the family caregivers of women with breast cancer in a low resource context: A cross-sectional study

Mozhgan Moshtagh1, Elahe Allahyari1
·
Palliat Med Pract 2022;16(1):59-65.
Affiliations
  1. Assistant Professor, Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran, Ghafari street, Birjand, South Khorasan, Iran, 9717853577 Birjand, Iran, Islamic Republic Of

open access

Vol 16, No 1 (2022)
Research paper
Published online: 2021-10-27

Abstract

Introduction: The present study was conducted to assess the needs of family caregivers in 2020 during
the COVID-19 pandemic.
Participants and methods: Data were collected through purposive sampling from 103 participants
and analysed by the Family Inventory of Needs (FIN) during the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020 (between
July and September).
Results: Informational and supportive needs were high for most caregivers (76%), but they were scored
unmet by higher than 30% of the family caregivers in items 8, 9, and 16 of informative dimensions and
items 15, 17, and 18 supportive dimensions. Also, the illness stage was significantly associated with the
score of unmet needs (p = 0.03).
Conclusions: Caregivers who live with women need more guidance and support. Considering the information
and psycho-social needs of cancer caregivers may increase the satisfaction of health services
and help improve the psychological well-being and quality of life of both patients and their caregivers.

Abstract

Introduction: The present study was conducted to assess the needs of family caregivers in 2020 during
the COVID-19 pandemic.
Participants and methods: Data were collected through purposive sampling from 103 participants
and analysed by the Family Inventory of Needs (FIN) during the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020 (between
July and September).
Results: Informational and supportive needs were high for most caregivers (76%), but they were scored
unmet by higher than 30% of the family caregivers in items 8, 9, and 16 of informative dimensions and
items 15, 17, and 18 supportive dimensions. Also, the illness stage was significantly associated with the
score of unmet needs (p = 0.03).
Conclusions: Caregivers who live with women need more guidance and support. Considering the information
and psycho-social needs of cancer caregivers may increase the satisfaction of health services
and help improve the psychological well-being and quality of life of both patients and their caregivers.

Get Citation

Keywords

breast cancer, family caregivers, assessment of healthcare needs, low resource contexts, women

About this article
Title

Informational and supportive needs of the family caregivers of women with breast cancer in a low resource context: A cross-sectional study

Journal

Palliative Medicine in Practice

Issue

Vol 16, No 1 (2022)

Article type

Research paper

Pages

59-65

Published online

2021-10-27

Page views

4755

Article views/downloads

236

DOI

10.5603/PMPI.2021.0031

Bibliographic record

Palliat Med Pract 2022;16(1):59-65.

Keywords

breast cancer
family caregivers
assessment of healthcare needs
low resource contexts
women

Authors

Mozhgan Moshtagh
Elahe Allahyari

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