The relationship between hope and caregiver strain in family caregivers of patients with pain from bone metastasis
Background: The number of family caregivers (FCs) will increase. However, little information is available on how FCs’ hope influences aspects of FCs’ experience.The objectives: To examine the relationships between FCs’ level of hope and level of strain.
Participants: Of 112 FCs the majority were female (59%) and spouses (94%). The mean age of the FCs was 63 years (SD 11), 33% were retired.
Methods: The FC completed the Herth Hope Index (HHI) and The Caregiver Strain Index (SCI). HHI consists of 12 items and the global score can range from 12 to 48. SCI consists of 5 domains. Pearson Product Moment correlations were calculated between the total HHI score and each of the subscales of the SCI.
Findings: The mean HHI score of FCs was 36.8 (SD 4). Approximately 20% of the FCs reported a high level (7 or more items) of caregiver strain. Perceived FCs’ strain were in the following SCI subscales: emotional adjustments (70%), changes in personal plans (58%), upsetting behaviour (48%), work adjustments (35%), and sleep disturbances (34%). No relationships were found between HHI scores and any of the CSI subscales scores. However, FCs with lower HHI scores reported higher overall levels of caregiver strain (r=-0.26, p=0.008).
Conclusions: This study is the first to examine the relationships between hope and caregiver strain in FCs of patients with cancer. Of note, lower levels of hope were associated with higher levels of perceived strain on the part of FCs.