(0208) Challenges and Burdens Faced by Caregivers of Head and Neck Cancer Patients

Introduction: Patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) have complex needs and caring for them presents unique challenges. Caregiver concerns often go unaddressed, heightening psychological distress and negatively impacting the overall quality of life of the caregiver. This study explores the distinct challenges they encounter, shedding light on the multifaceted aspects of their roles and the emotional toll it takes on their wellbeing.

Methods: This exploratory survey was conducted between 2022 and 2023 in Arkansas. Participants received a standardized survey consisting of 62 questions to assess the difficulties and challenges faced by caregivers which covered aspects such as sociodemographic profile, disease-related information, and financial and psychosocial issues.

Results: A total of 23 caregivers of HNC patients, aged 15 to 82 (mean: 62), participated in the survey. They were predominantly female (94%), White (87%), and married (94%). Common caregiving tasks included helping with household tasks such as preparing food (73%), emotional support (68%), appointment coordination (63%), and wound care (59%). Surprisingly, 94% of caregivers reported received no training for providing care to this population. The majority (93%) of caregivers felt somewhat overwhelmed by their responsibilities. They also reported experiencing depression (33%), reduced pleasure in activities (31%), anxiety (37%), and a sense of inadequacy in caring for their patients (53%). Most caregivers (61%) had a household income between $50K and $100K, with half experiencing a decline due to providing care. This circumstance generated concerns about the family's financial stability due to caregiving responsibilities in 25% of cases, including one instance of requiring to borrow money to provide care.

Conclusions: Caregivers of HNC patients face significant burdens, including physical, psychological, and financial stress. These challenges underscore the necessity for holistic support systems and interventions, aiming to educate and assist caregivers in effectively handling the diverse demands of their responsibilities.