Mediating burden and stress over time: Caregivers of patients with primary brain tumor

• DOI: 10.1002/pon.4527
• Publication Date: 2017-08-12T02:42:38Z
• Authors: Maija Reblin; Brent Small; Heather Jim; Jason Weimer; Paula Sherwood
• Keywords: Caregiver Burden; Depression; Longitudinal Study; Family Caregivers; Primary caregiver

Abstract There is a growing literature on the effects of cancer caregiving well‐being informal family caregivers. However, there has been little longitudinal research caregivers patients with complex, rapidly‐changing disease primary malignant brain tumor. Objective Our objective was to model relationships between caregiver burden, social support, and distress within Methods Caregiver participants were recruited from neuro‐oncology clinic. questionnaire data, including sociodemographics, depression, anxiety, collected at 4 time points (diagnosis, +4, +8, +12 mo). Using stress process as guide, we hypothesized that early burden would predict later depression this be mediated by support. Results data 147 participants, found support for in Greater diagnosis associated lower months, related higher anxiety 8 well changes 12 months. Conclusion We evidence tumor unfolding over course year after diagnosis. findings emphasize potential importance programs ensure low initial levels which may have positive effect anxiety.