Factors Affecting the Psychological Well-Being of Terminal Cancer Patient Caregivers in Muang District Uttaradit Province

Abstract

Background: Caring for terminal cancer patients is a heavy burden and complex. Caregivers take the important roles in caring. If caregivers could not adapt to the changing roles, this could negatively affect their health and they could be unable to continue taking care of the patients. Objective: To investigate the factors affecting the psychological well-being of terminal cancer patient caregivers. Materials and Methods: A descriptive study of terminal cancer patient caregivers in Muang Uttaradit District, Uttaradit Province was performed in the present study. The caregivers were selected using a systematic random sampling technique. Data was collected between June and September 2021. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, and stepwise multiple regression analysis. Results: Two hundred fifty participants were included in the present study. The results showed that the participants had an overall moderate level of psychological well-being. Support from public health personnel, spouse, neighbors, and community, underlying diseases of caregivers, and resilience were predictive of psychological well-being. Five variables could predict the psychological well-being of terminal cancer patient caregivers by 60.2%. Conclusion: Terminal cancer patient caregivers need support and assistance for enhancing psychological well-being according to predictable variables, which are concrete forms of activity. Keywords: Terminal cancer patient caregivers; Psychological well-being; Social support; Resilience