Overburden and Quality of Life of Caregivers of Patients with Cancer during Palliative Care

Introduction: Family caregivers often experience caregiving overburden, which in turn may have implications for their quality of life. This study is aimed at describing the associations between the level of caregiving overburden and the quality of life of caregivers of patients with cancer during palliative care attending a quaternary healthcare institution in Medellin, Colombia. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive correlational study was conducted with 62 family caregivers. Participants' characterization, Zarit Caregiver Burden Scale and Caregiver Quality of Life questionnaires were administered. Correlation tests were performed using Pearson's correlation coefficient and simple linear regression model. Results: A Pearson's correlation coefficient of r =-0.54 at p < 0.0001 was found between caregiver overburden and quality of life. Negative correlations were also identified across all dimensions of overburden and quality of life in caregivers. A regression model was established in which caregiver overburden ([3 =-0.556 CI 95% =-3.114 --1.237)and being a married or common-law partnered caregiver ([3 = 0.258 IC 95%= 0.907-52.99) are predicting variables of quality of life. Conclusions: A strong inverse correlation was found between overburden and quality of life of family caregivers of patients with cancer during palliative care.