Embracing the Power of Support: A Study on Family Caregivers of Children with Cancer
Mukesh Chandra Sharma
All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India.
Thuileiphy Tallanao *
All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India.
A Latha Srikanth
All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India.
Bhawana Krishnia
All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India.
Chitra Awasthi
All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India.
Charu Vyas
All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India.
Deepika kumari
All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India.
Bhawna Bishnoi
All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India.
Bhawana Chouhan
All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India.
Deepika Choudhary
All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: The incidence of cancer is rising worldwide, leading to greater responsibility for family caregivers; Hence, they need support from society and healthcare professionals. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the power of social support among caregivers of children with cancer undergoing chemotherapy treatment.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out to assess perceived social support among 109 family caregivers (FCGs) whose children were undergoing chemotherapy treatment for more than three cycles at the oncology day care centre. The participants were selected through purposive sampling technique. A self-developed data sheet was designed and validated to gather demographic information about caregivers and a standardized Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) were used for the data collection.
Results: The results showed that out of 109 FCGs, more than half, 62 (56.9 %) of caregivers were aged above 31 years, and around 77 (70.6%) were male. Most of the participants (68.8%) were found to have higher level of social support, with a mean score of 5.69±1.22. Less than half, at 28.4% showed moderate support, and only 2.8% experienced low support. Perceived support was found to have a significant association with caregivers’ age group and socioeconomic status.
Conclusion: The result showed importance of social support in alleviating caregiving challenges, highlighting that insufficient support can increase the risk of psychosocial difficulties such as depression, poor mental health, reduced adherence and compliance with treatment.
Keywords: Children, cancer, chemotherapy, caregivers, support