The Psychosocial and Financial Challenges faced by Caregivers of Cancer Patients

Abstract

Objective: To determine the psychosocial and economic burden of the caregivers of cancer patients. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Medical Oncology, PNS Shifa Hospital, Karachi Pakistan, from Jun to Dec 2025. Methodology: A total of 150 caregivers of cancer patients were enrolled using the consecutive non-probability sampling method. For data collection the 22-items Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI-22), a validated tool for measurement of multidimensional caregiver burden was used. For demographic variables and ZBI scores, descriptive statistics were calculated. Chi-square test, with level of significance p-value <0.05 was used to determine the association between severity of burden and caregivers’ characteristics. Cronbach’s alpha was used to assess the internal consistency of the instrument. Results: Average ZBI score was 37.89±12.80 signifies mild to moderate burden. Majority of caregivers reported variable amount of burden, no/mild 10.7%, mild/moderate 50.0%, moderate/severe burden 34.7% and severe burden was noted in 4.7% cases. Female caregivers reported higher burden scores than males. Around 40% participants reported financial and emotional stress. Conclusion: The caregivers of cancer patients experienced substantial psychosocial and financial burden. It is paramount to formulate, implement and integrate caregivers’ focused screening and interventions into oncology settings to safeguard the wellbeing and outcomes for both caregivers and patients.