Quality of life among caregivers of patients with breast cancer in Mexico: A multicenter cross-sectional survey using the Caregiver Quality of Life Index–Cancer (CQOLI-C).

Abstract

11103 Background: Family caregivers of patients with breast cancer (BC) often experience emotional, physical, social, and financial strain that can compromise their quality of life (QoL). The Caregiver Quality of Life Index–Cancer (CQOLI-C) is a validated cancer-specific instrument, however data on factors associated with caregiver QoL across healthcare settings in Mexico remain limited. Methods: We conducted a multicenter, cross-sectional survey of primary caregivers of patients with BC in Mexico. Consecutive eligible caregivers were recruited across public and private care settings (Sep 2025 – Jan 2026) and completed an online questionnaire. QoL was measured using the CQOLI-C (35 items scored 0–4; total score range 0–140; higher scores = greater caregiver burden (CB)); positively worded items were reverse-coded and summed to generate the total score. We summarized caregiver/patient characteristics and CQOLI-C scores with descriptive statistics and compared them across key groups (metastatic status, caregiving hours/week, additional helpers, self-reported unsustainable caregiving (yes/no), and care setting (public vs private)). We evaluated associations between CQOLI-C total score and prespecified predictors using multivariable OLS linear regression with robust standard errors (two-sided p < 0.05). Results: Seventy-three caregivers completed the survey (mean age 46.9±15.5 years; 54.8% male). Caregivers were most commonly partners (43.8%) or adult children (32.9%). 53.4% of patients received care in the private sector; 26% had metastatic disease. The most common numbers of additional caregivers were 2 (27.4%) and 0 (21.9%). Over half of caregivers (52.1%) reported providing 0–10 hours/week of care, while 16.4% reported > 50 hours/week. Median caregiver burden measured by CQOLI-C was 45 (IQR 29.5–62). 41% reported caregiving became too difficult to sustain. High burden items most frequently endorsed (score 3–4) included fear of patient death (54.8%), concern about treatment adverse effects (42.5%), and anger to see loved one deteriorating (41.1%). In adjusted regression (n = 73), compared with no helpers, reporting two helpers (β = 16.5; p = 0.020) and five helpers (β = 24.4; p = 0.016) was associated with higher scores, while six or more helpers was associated with substantially lower scores (β = -42.0; p = 0.002). Metastatic disease (β = 16.7; p = 0.043) and public vs private sector (β = 24.2; p = 0.009) were associated with worse scores; caregiving hours showed no consistent independent association. Conclusions: Caregiver burden was substantial and clustered around unsustainable caregiving demands, metastatic disease, and public care settings. These factors can help identify caregivers most in need of support and should guide systematic caregiver screening and targeted supportive-care interventions in Mexico.