Health-related quality of life and caregiver’s burden in patients with chronic diseases: a cross-sectional study

Background
Cancer and type 2 diabetes (T2D), as two groups of prevalent chronic diseases, are associated with different social, economic and emotional consequences, and they can change the quality of life (QoL) of their caregivers.

Objectives
The aim of the present study was to determine the relationship between QoL and the burden on caregivers of patients with cancer and T2D.

Material and methods
This comparative cross-sectional study was conducted on 308 caregivers of patients with cancer and T2D. Data collection tools included a demographic characteristics form, SF-36 quality of life form and care burden inventory (Novak and Guest). Data was collected using the convenience sampling method. Data analysis was then carried out using descriptive and inferential statistics (linear backward stepwise regression method).

Results
The mean age of the caregivers of patients with cancer and T2D was 41.30 ± 13.12 and 41.86 ± 12.78 years, respectively. There was no significant difference between the mean score of care burden and QoL in the two groups of caregivers. There was a significant direct relationship between caregivers’ QoL and disease in caregivers and a significant inverse relationship between caregivers’ education and caring burden.

Conclusions
Caregivers of patients with chronic diseases suffer from care burden, which negatively affects their QoL; thus, it is recommended to reduce the care burden, increasing their QoL by providing appropriate mental, psychological, and social support. Due to the negative impact of caring burden on caregivers’ QoL, care services for chronic patients in developing countries should be strengthened.