The effect of unmet needs on the health-related Quality of life of family caregivers of cancer patients in South Korea

Abstract

This study was conducted to explore the unmet needs and health-related quality of life (QOL) of family caregivers who support cancer patients, and to determine the impact of these unmet needs on their health-related QOL. A descriptive study was conducted from July 1 to July 30, 2023, in which a survey was administered to 129 family caregivers of cancer patients undergoing outpatient treatment at a general hospital of South Korea. The effect of unmet needs on health-related QOL was analyzed using stepwise multiple regression analysis, while controlling for covariates such as the general characteristics of the participants. Stepwise multiple regression analysis revealed that unmet needs significantly impacted health-related QOL. The final regression model explained a substantial portion of the variance in health-related QOL, with an R-squared value of.466 (46.6%). Unmet needs of health and psychological problems (β = -.37) as well as religious/spiritual support (β = -.20) had a significant independent effect on the health-related QOL of family caregivers of cancer patients. Additionally, the health-related QOL of caregivers was significantly better when they did not live with the patient (β = .29) and when they had higher income levels (β = .18) for incomes between 300–500 million won, and β = .29 for incomes of 500 million won or more, compared to those earning less than 100 million won). The health-related QOL of family caregivers for cancer patients can be adversely affected by unmet needs, including health and psychological problems as well as religious and spiritual support. It is therefore necessary to develop and implement support programs or systems that promote physical, psychological, and spiritual health for these caregivers.