The analysis of the demographic characteristics showed that there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups (Table 2).
Table 2
Demographic characteristics of the two groups
Parameter | Category | Oncological group (PrC2) N = 77 (%) | Nononcological group (PrC1) N = 63 (%) | Total N = 140 (%) | p |
Gender | Male Female | 23 (29,87) 54 (70,13) | 20 (31,74) 43 (68,26) | 43 (30,71) 97 (69,29) | 0,81 |
Living environment | Rural Urban | 21 (27,27) 56 (72,73) | 17 (26,99) 46 (73,01) | 38 (27,14) 102 (72,86) | 0,96 |
Degree of kinship | Husband/wife Brother/sister Son/daughter Nephew/niece Others | 20 (25,97) 3 (3,90) 40 (51,95) 5 (6,50) 9 (11,68) | 15 (23,8) 2 (3,18) 34 (53,97) 4 (6,35) 8 (12,7) | 35 (25) 5 (3,57) 74 (52,85) 9 (6,44 ) 17 (12,14) | 0,99 |
Occupation | Employee Retired Unemployed | 38 (49,35%) 35 (45,45%) 4 (5,20%) | 22 ((34,92%) 32 (50,8%) 9 (14,28%) | 60 (42,85%) 67 (47,86%) 13 (9,29%) | 0,83 |
Level of education | Primary education Gymnasium studies High-school (college) Higher education | 4 (5,20%) 15 (19,48%) 31 (40,25%) 27 (35,05%) | 2 (3,18%) 9 (14,28%) 36 (57,14%) 16 (25,40%) | 6 (4,29%) 24 (17,14%) 67 (47,86%) 43 (30,71%) | 0,3 |
Living place | Similar to that of the patient Different from the patient’s | 38 (49,35%) 39 (50,65%) | 40 (63,49%) 23 (36,51%) | 78 (55,71%) 62 (44,29%) | 0,93 |
Distance between the patient’s home and the caregiver | Under 1 km 1–10 km 10–30 km Over 30 km | 46 (59.74%) 16 (20.78%) 6 (7.80%) 9 (11.68%) | 41 (65.08%) 12 (19.05%) 4 (6.35%) 6 (9.52%) | 87 (62.15%) 28 (20%) 10 (7.14%) 15 (10.71%) | 0,92 |
The initial state of health of the caregiver | Very good Good Bad Very bad | 17 (2.07%) 47 (61.03%) 9 (11.68%) 4 (5.22%) | 8 (12,70%) 40(63.49%) 14 (22.22%) 1 (1.59%) | 25 (17.86%) 87 (62.15%) 23 (16.43%) 5 (3.56%) | 0,14 |
The time spent caring for the patient | Less than 3 hours Between 3–10 hours Over 10 ore | 16 (20.78%) 32 (41.55%) 29 (37.67%) | 8 (12.70%) 25 (39.68%) 30 (47.62%) | 24 (17.14%) 57 (40.72%) 59 (42.14%) | 0,33 |
The time spent for himself | Less than 3 hours Between 3–10 hours Over 10 hours | 37 (48.06%) 30 (38,96%) 10 (12.98%) | 37 (58.73%) 23 (36.51%) 3 (4.76%) | 74 (52.86%) 53 (37.86%) 13 (9.28%) | 0,18 |
The time spent with other family members | Less than 3 hours Between 3–10 hours Over 10 hours | 36 (46.75%) 29 (37.66%) 12 (15,59%) | 38 (60.32%) 21 (33.33%) 4 (6.35%) | 74 (52.86%) 50 (35.71%) 16 (11.43%) | 0,13 |
Number of days late from work | Without days of delay Up to 10 days Over 10 days | 65 (84.42%) 11 (14.28%) 1 (1.30%) | 51 (80.95%) 8 (12.70%) 4 (6.35%) | 116 (82.86) 19 (13,57) 5 (3,57) | 0,27 |
Number of daus off work | Without days off from work Up to 10 days Over 10 days | 62 (80.52%) 10 (12.98%) 5 (6.50%) | 49 (77.78%) 10 (15.87%) 4 (6.35%) | 111(79,29) 20 (14,28) 9 (6,43) | 0,88 |
Leaving work | Yes No | 6 (7.79%) 71(92.21%) | 3 (4.76%) 60 (95.24%) | 9 (6,43) 131(93,57) | 0,46 |
Table 2. Demographic characteristics of the two groups
During the study, 146 patients and their primary caregivers were presented for consultation or admission to the medical unit. Of these, only 140 primary caregivers met the eligibility criteria and expressed written informed consent. Primary caregivers included in the study were divided into two groups: 77 primary caregivers who care the patients with non-malignant diseases (PrC1) and 63 primary caregivers who care patients with cancer (PrC2). The response rate was 85.89%. One patient died on the first day after admission, two patients had no person involved in their care and three caregivers declined participation in the study. The mean age was 54.77 years (minimum 26 and maximum 78 years) in the PrC1 group and 58.33 years (minimum 29 and maximum 92 years) in the PrC2 group.
Most of the caregivers were women (70.13% in the group of oncology patients and 68.26% in the group of non-oncology patients) and lived in urban areas (72.73% in the PrC2 group and 73.01% in the PrC1 group). For half of the patients, care was provided by the patient’s son or daughter (51.95% in the group of oncological patients and 53.97% in the group of non-oncological patients), and for a quarter of the patients, by their life partner (25.9% in the PrC2 group and 23.8% in the PrC1 group).
It was observed that in the group of oncology patients, 49.35% of the caregivers had the same domicile as the patient, while 50.65% of the caregivers lived in another location. The situation differed in the non-oncological group but was statistically insignificant (p = 0.93); 63.49% of the caregivers have the same domicile as the patient, and only 36.51% had a different domicile than the patient. Residing in the same locality or the neighboring locality (expressed by a distance of less than 10 km) was identified in most cases (80.52% in the oncological group and 84.13% in the non-oncological group).
The request for care for more than 10 hours a day was noted in 37.67% of the patients in the oncological group and that in the group of non-oncological patients was slightly higher (47.62%) but without statistical significance (p = 0.33). However, most caregivers did not have days off work and did not give up work (92.21% in the PrC2 group and 95.24% in the PrC1 group). This was explained by the involvement of family in the care of the person or by the group with more time availability.
The burden evaluated with the BSFC followed the aspects identified by grouping the items according to Table 1. In both groups, it was observed that the burden’s evolution, in all aspects, from one month to the next was increasing, but without statistical significance. (Tables 3 and 4). There were situations, especially in the group of cancer patients, in which certain aspects of the burden had slightly improved values, with a return to the previous values but without statistical significance, explained by the better control of symptoms, the existence of support measures from other people or the evolution of the disease.
Table 3
Evaluation of the burden of care of the patient with non-oncological disease (PrC1)
Care Aspects | N | Mean | Std. Deviation | Std. Error | Trust Interval | Min | Max | P Value |
Lower Bound | Upper Bound |
Physical Exhaustion | Initial | 63 | 9.54 | 3.698 | .466 | 8.61 | 10.47 | 0 | 15 | 0.09 |
At 1 month | 25 | 9.68 | 2.610 | .522 | 8.60 | 10.76 | 3 | 15 |
At 2 months | 13 | 11.15 | 2.996 | .831 | 9.34 | 12.96 | 4 | 14 |
At 3 months | 12 | 11.92 | 3.630 | 1.048 | 9.61 | 14.22 | 4 | 15 |
Total Average | 113 | 10.01 | 3.460 | .326 | 9.36 | 10.65 | 0 | 15 |
Difficulty in accomplishing tasks | Initial | 63 | 2.75 | 1.586 | .200 | 2.35 | 3.15 | 0 | 6 | 0.33 |
At 1 month | 25 | 3.00 | 1.581 | .316 | 2.35 | 3.65 | 0 | 6 |
At 2 months | 13 | 3.08 | 1.553 | .431 | 2.14 | 4.02 | 1 | 5 |
At 3 months | 12 | 3.67 | 1.923 | .555 | 2.45 | 4.89 | 1 | 6 |
Total Average | 113 | 2.94 | 1.622 | .153 | 2.64 | 3.24 | 0 | 6 |
Perception of the process of caring for one's own health | Initial | 63 | 1.59 | 1.159 | .146 | 1.30 | 1.88 | 0 | 3 | 0.29 |
At 1 month | 25 | 1.80 | .866 | .173 | 1.44 | 2.16 | 0 | 3 |
At 2 months | 13 | 1.77 | 1.235 | .343 | 1.02 | 2.52 | 0 | 3 |
At 3 months | 12 | 2.25 | 1.215 | .351 | 1.48 | 3.02 | 0 | 3 |
Total Average | 113 | 1.73 | 1.120 | .105 | 1.52 | 1.93 | 0 | 3 |
The feeling of contentment | Initial | 63 | 3.81 | 1.605 | .202 | 3.41 | 4.21 | 0 | 6 | 0.2 |
At 1 month | 25 | 3.56 | 1.325 | .265 | 3.01 | 4.11 | 1 | 6 |
At 2 months | 13 | 4.00 | 1.780 | .494 | 2.92 | 5.08 | 1 | 6 |
At 3 months | 12 | 4.75 | 1.913 | .552 | 3.53 | 5.97 | 0 | 6 |
Total Average | 113 | 3.88 | 1.615 | .152 | 3.58 | 4.18 | 0 | 6 |
The desire to get out of the situation | Initial | 63 | 2.13 | 1.085 | .137 | 1.85 | 2.40 | 0 | 3 | 0.09 |
At 1 month | 25 | 2.16 | .943 | .189 | 1.77 | 2.55 | 0 | 3 |
At 2 months | 13 | 2.54 | .660 | .183 | 2.14 | 2.94 | 1 | 3 |
At 3 months | 12 | 2.83 | .577 | .167 | 2.47 | 3.20 | 1 | 3 |
Total Average | 113 | 2.26 | .989 | .093 | 2.07 | 2.44 | 0 | 3 |
The desire to communicate | Initial | 63 | 2.16 | .865 | .109 | 1.94 | 2.38 | 0 | 3 | 0.95 |
At 1 month | 25 | 2.20 | .816 | .163 | 1.86 | 2.54 | 0 | 3 |
At 2 months | 13 | 2.08 | .862 | .239 | 1.56 | 2.60 | 0 | 3 |
At 3 months | 12 | 2.25 | .754 | .218 | 1.77 | 2.73 | 1 | 3 |
Total Average | 113 | 2.17 | .833 | .078 | 2.01 | 2.32 | 0 | 3 |
The feeling of abuse | Initial | 63 | 4.25 | 2.776 | .350 | 3.55 | 4.95 | 0 | 11 | 0.28 |
At 1 month | 25 | 4.68 | 2.479 | .496 | 3.66 | 5.70 | 0 | 10 |
At 2 months | 13 | 4.77 | 2.976 | .826 | 2.97 | 6.57 | 0 | 11 |
At 3 months | 12 | 5.92 | 2.811 | .811 | 4.13 | 7.70 | 0 | 11 |
Total Average | 113 | 4.58 | 2.751 | .259 | 4.07 | 5.10 | 0 | 11 |
Relationship with the patient or other people | Initial | 63 | 2.56 | 2.093 | .264 | 2.03 | 3.08 | 0 | 7 | 0.24 |
At 1 month | 25 | 3.36 | 2.515 | .503 | 2.32 | 4.40 | 0 | 8 |
At 2 months | 13 | 2.92 | 2.139 | .593 | 1.63 | 4.22 | 0 | 8 |
At 3 months | 12 | 3.75 | 2.563 | .740 | 2.12 | 5.38 | 0 | 8 |
Total Average | 113 | 2.90 | 2.260 | .213 | 2.48 | 3.32 | 0 | 8 |
Emotional well-being | Initial | 63 | 1.75 | .803 | .101 | 1.54 | 1.95 | 0 | 3 | 0.74 |
At 1 month | 25 | 1.84 | 1.028 | .206 | 1.42 | 2.26 | 0 | 3 |
At 2 months | 13 | 1.62 | 1.193 | .331 | .89 | 2.34 | 0 | 3 |
At 3 months | 12 | 2.00 | 1.128 | .326 | 1.28 | 2.72 | 0 | 3 |
Total | 113 | 1.78 | .933 | .088 | 1.60 | 1.95 | 0 | 3 |
Patient’s Fate | Initial | 63 | 2.71 | .728 | .092 | 2.53 | 2.90 | 0 | 3 | 0.91 |
At 1 month | 25 | 2.68 | .690 | .138 | 2.40 | 2.96 | 0 | 3 |
At 2 months | 13 | 2.77 | .439 | .122 | 2.50 | 3.03 | 2 | 3 |
At 3 months | 12 | 2.83 | .389 | .112 | 2.59 | 3.08 | 2 | 3 |
Total | 113 | 2.73 | .658 | .062 | 2.60 | 2.85 | 0 | 3 |
Desire to socialize | Initial | 63 | 2.95 | 1.349 | .170 | 2.61 | 3.29 | 0 | 6 | 0.49 |
At 1 month | 25 | 3.32 | 1.376 | .275 | 2.75 | 3.89 | 1 | 6 |
At 2 months | 13 | 2.69 | 1.377 | .382 | 1.86 | 3.52 | 0 | 5 |
At 3 months | 12 | 2.83 | 1.030 | .297 | 2.18 | 3.49 | 1 | 5 |
Total | 113 | 2.99 | 1.326 | .125 | 2.74 | 3.24 | 0 | 6 |
Personal Time | Initial | 63 | 3.92 | 1.440 | .181 | 3.56 | 4.28 | 1 | 6 | 0.87 |
At 1 month | 25 | 4.16 | 1.546 | .309 | 3.52 | 4.80 | 1 | 6 |
At 2 months | 13 | 4.08 | 1.382 | .383 | 3.24 | 4.91 | 1 | 6 |
At 3 months | 12 | 4.17 | 1.193 | .345 | 3.41 | 4.92 | 2 | 6 |
Total | 113 | 4.02 | 1.420 | .134 | 3.75 | 4.28 | 1 | 6 |
Relaxation Period | Initial | 63 | 2.08 | .903 | .114 | 1.85 | 2.31 | 0 | 3 | 0.8 |
At 1 month | 25 | 1.92 | 1.077 | .215 | 1.48 | 2.36 | 0 | 3 |
At 2 months | 13 | 1.92 | .862 | .239 | 1.40 | 2.44 | 0 | 3 |
At 3 months | 12 | 2.17 | .718 | .207 | 1.71 | 2.62 | 1 | 3 |
Total | 113 | 2.04 | .915 | .086 | 1.86 | 2.21 | 0 | 3 |
Life Standard | Initial | 63 | 1.95 | 1.023 | .129 | 1.69 | 2.21 | 0 | 3 | 0.16 |
At 1 month | 25 | 2.28 | .891 | .178 | 1.91 | 2.65 | 0 | 3 |
At 2 months | 13 | 2.08 | .954 | .265 | 1.50 | 2.65 | 0 | 3 |
At 3 months | 12 | 2.58 | .996 | .288 | 1.95 | 3.22 | 0 | 3 |
Total | 113 | 2.11 | .994 | .094 | 1.92 | 2.29 | 0 | 3 |
Giving-up future plans | Initial | 63 | 3.30 | 1.956 | .246 | 2.81 | 3.79 | 0 | 6 | 0.33 |
At 1 month | 25 | 3.52 | 1.388 | .278 | 2.95 | 4.09 | 0 | 6 |
At 2 months | 13 | 3.77 | 1.922 | .533 | 2.61 | 4.93 | 0 | 6 |
At 3 months | 12 | 4.33 | 2.060 | .595 | 3.02 | 5.64 | 0 | 6 |
Total | 113 | 3.51 | 1.857 | .175 | 3.17 | 3.86 | 0 | 6 |
Table 4
Assessment of the burden of care of the patient with oncological disease (PrC2)
Care Aspects | N | Mean | Std. Deviation | Std. Error | Trust interval | Min | Max | P value |
Lower Bound | Upper Bound |
Physical Exhaustion | Initial | 77 | 7.69 | 3.778 | .430 | 6.83 | 8.55 | 0 | 15 | 0.02 |
At 1 month | 25 | 9.88 | 3.420 | .684 | 8.47 | 11.29 | 3 | 15 |
At 2 months | 17 | 8.59 | 4.032 | .978 | 6.52 | 10.66 | 1 | 14 |
At 3 months | 13 | 10.31 | 4.697 | 1.303 | 7.47 | 13.15 | 2 | 15 |
Total | 132 | 8.48 | 3.937 | .343 | 7.80 | 9.16 | 0 | 15 |
Difficulty in accomplishing tasks | Initial | 77 | 2.32 | 1.626 | .185 | 1.96 | 2.69 | 0 | 6 | 0.09 |
At 1 month | 25 | 3.24 | 1.832 | .366 | 2.48 | 4.00 | 0 | 6 |
At 2 months | 17 | 2.24 | 1.480 | .359 | 1.47 | 3.00 | 0 | 6 |
At 3 months | 13 | 2.38 | 1.325 | .368 | 1.58 | 3.19 | 0 | 5 |
Total | 132 | 2.49 | 1.646 | .143 | 2.21 | 2.78 | 0 | 6 |
Perception of the process of caring for one's own health | Initial | 77 | 1.08 | 1.061 | .121 | .84 | 1.32 | 0 | 3 | 0.09 |
At 1 month | 25 | 1.48 | .872 | .174 | 1.12 | 1.84 | 0 | 3 |
At 2 months | 17 | 1.18 | 1.074 | .261 | .62 | 1.73 | 0 | 3 |
At 3 months | 13 | 1.77 | 1.235 | .343 | 1.02 | 2.52 | 0 | 3 |
Total | 132 | 1.23 | 1.062 | .092 | 1.05 | 1.42 | 0 | 3 |
The feeling of contentment | Initial | 77 | 3.06 | 1.845 | .210 | 2.65 | 3.48 | 0 | 6 | 0.75 |
At 1 month | 25 | 3.16 | 1.748 | .350 | 2.44 | 3.88 | 0 | 6 |
At 2 months | 17 | 2.94 | 1.919 | .466 | 1.95 | 3.93 | 0 | 6 |
At 3 months | 13 | 3.62 | 1.895 | .525 | 2.47 | 4.76 | 0 | 6 |
Total | 132 | 3.12 | 1.829 | .159 | 2.81 | 3.44 | 0 | 6 |
The desire to get out of the situation | Initial | 77 | 1.78 | 1.034 | .118 | 1.54 | 2.01 | 0 | 3 | 0.2 |
At 1 month | 25 | 1.72 | 1.021 | .204 | 1.30 | 2.14 | 0 | 3 |
La 2 luni | 17 | 1.76 | .831 | .202 | 1.34 | 2.19 | 0 | 3 |
La 3 luni | 13 | 2.38 | .870 | .241 | 1.86 | 2.91 | 1 | 3 |
Total | 132 | 1.83 | 1.000 | .087 | 1.65 | 2.00 | 0 | 3 |
The desire to communicate | Initial | 77 | 2.00 | 1.026 | .117 | 1.77 | 2.23 | 0 | 3 | 0.61 |
At 1 month | 25 | 2.24 | .879 | .176 | 1.88 | 2.60 | 0 | 3 |
At 2 months | 17 | 1.88 | .857 | .208 | 1.44 | 2.32 | 0 | 3 |
At 3 months | 13 | 1.92 | .862 | .239 | 1.40 | 2.44 | 1 | 3 |
Total | 132 | 2.02 | .961 | .084 | 1.86 | 2.19 | 0 | 3 |
The feeling of abuse | Initial | 77 | 3.53 | 2.761 | .315 | 2.91 | 4.16 | 0 | 11 | 0.15 |
At 1 month | 25 | 4.36 | 2.343 | .469 | 3.39 | 5.33 | 0 | 11 |
At 2 months | 17 | 3.35 | 2.178 | .528 | 2.23 | 4.47 | 1 | 8 |
At 3 months | 13 | 5.08 | 3.040 | .843 | 3.24 | 6.91 | 1 | 9 |
Total | 132 | 3.82 | 2.673 | .233 | 3.36 | 4.28 | 0 | 11 |
Relationship with the patient or other people | Initial | 77 | 1.96 | 1.765 | .201 | 1.56 | 2.36 | 0 | 6 | 0.09 |
At 1 month | 25 | 2.76 | 2.619 | .524 | 1.68 | 3.84 | 0 | 8 |
At 2 months | 17 | 1.94 | 1.713 | .415 | 1.06 | 2.82 | 0 | 6 |
At 3 months | 13 | 3.15 | 1.994 | .553 | 1.95 | 4.36 | 0 | 6 |
Total | 132 | 2.23 | 1.995 | .174 | 1.88 | 2.57 | 0 | 8 |
Emotional well-being | Initial | 77 | 1.53 | .954 | .109 | 1.32 | 1.75 | 0 | 3 | 0.3 |
At 1 month | 25 | 1.88 | 1.013 | .203 | 1.46 | 2.30 | 0 | 3 |
At 2 months | 17 | 1.35 | .931 | .226 | .87 | 1.83 | 0 | 3 |
At 3 months | 13 | 1.69 | 1.032 | .286 | 1.07 | 2.32 | 0 | 3 |
Total | 132 | 1.59 | .973 | .085 | 1.42 | 1.76 | 0 | 3 |
Patient’s Fate | Initial | 77 | 2.62 | .726 | .083 | 2.46 | 2.79 | 0 | 3 | 0.56 |
At 1 month | 25 | 2.64 | .569 | .114 | 2.41 | 2.87 | 1 | 3 |
At 2 months | 17 | 2.35 | .931 | .226 | 1.87 | 2.83 | 0 | 3 |
At 3 months | 13 | 2.54 | .877 | .243 | 2.01 | 3.07 | 1 | 3 |
Total | 132 | 2.58 | .742 | .065 | 2.46 | 2.71 | 0 | 3 |
Desire to socialize | Initial | 77 | 2.71 | 1.223 | .139 | 2.44 | 2.99 | 0 | 6 | 0.83 |
At 1 month | 25 | 2.92 | 1.256 | .251 | 2.40 | 3.44 | 1 | 6 |
At 2 months | 17 | 2.65 | .931 | .226 | 2.17 | 3.13 | 1 | 4 |
At 3 months | 13 | 2.62 | 1.044 | .290 | 1.98 | 3.25 | 1 | 4 |
Total | 132 | 2.73 | 1.171 | .102 | 2.53 | 2.94 | 0 | 6 |
Personal Time | Initial | 77 | 3.17 | 1.728 | .197 | 2.78 | 3.56 | 0 | 6 | 0.01 |
At 1 month | 25 | 4.32 | 1.701 | .340 | 3.62 | 5.02 | 0 | 6 |
At 2 months | 17 | 3.35 | 1.222 | .296 | 2.72 | 3.98 | 1 | 5 |
At 3 months | 13 | 4.15 | 1.676 | .465 | 3.14 | 5.17 | 1 | 6 |
Total | 132 | 3.51 | 1.714 | .149 | 3.21 | 3.80 | 0 | 6 |
Relaxation Period | Initial | 77 | 1.75 | 1.066 | .121 | 1.51 | 2.00 | 0 | 3 | 0.38 |
At 1 month | 25 | 1.96 | .935 | .187 | 1.57 | 2.35 | 0 | 3 |
At 2 months | 17 | 1.47 | .874 | .212 | 1.02 | 1.92 | 0 | 3 |
At 3 months | 13 | 2.00 | .913 | .253 | 1.45 | 2.55 | 0 | 3 |
Total | 132 | 1.78 | 1.006 | .088 | 1.61 | 1.95 | 0 | 3 |
Life Standard | Initial | 77 | 1.44 | 1.118 | .127 | 1.19 | 1.70 | 0 | 3 | 0.04 |
At 1 month | 25 | 2.08 | .997 | .199 | 1.67 | 2.49 | 0 | 3 |
At 2 months | 17 | 1.41 | .939 | .228 | .93 | 1.89 | 0 | 3 |
At 3 months | 13 | 1.92 | 1.038 | .288 | 1.30 | 2.55 | 0 | 3 |
Total | 132 | 1.61 | 1.090 | .095 | 1.42 | 1.79 | 0 | 3 |
Giving-up future plans | Initial | 77 | 2.16 | 1.987 | .226 | 1.70 | 2.61 | 0 | 6 | 0.045 |
At 1 month | 25 | 3.00 | 1.607 | .321 | 2.34 | 3.66 | 0 | 6 |
At 2 months | 17 | 3.00 | 2.318 | .562 | 1.81 | 4.19 | 0 | 6 |
At 3 months | 13 | 3.46 | 2.184 | .606 | 2.14 | 4.78 | 0 | 6 |
Total | 132 | 2.55 | 2.024 | .176 | 2.20 | 2.90 | 0 | 6 |
In the case of the group of non-oncological patients the evolution of the burden increased and burden improvement oscillations did not exist, due to the continuous pressure on the caregiver throughout the evolution of the disease.
Table 3. Evaluation of the burden of care of the patient with non-oncological disease (PrC1)
Table 4. Assessment of the burden of care of the patient with oncological disease (PrC2)
The comparison of the burden of caregivers of non-oncological patients (PrC1) between the initial time (T0) and the final time (T3) showed a higher value, with statistical significance, in terms of physical exhaustion (p = 0.04) and the desire to escape from the created situation (p = 0.03). Additionally, the living standard of the primary caregiver decreased (p = 0.045) during the three months of assessment. All other aspects of care showed an increase in the burden from T0 to T3 but without statistical significance. (Table 5)
Table 5
Assessment of the aspects of the burden in the PrC 1 comparatively between time T0 and T3
Care Aspect / Time | N | Mean | Std. Deviation | Std. Error | p value |
Physical Exhaustion | Initial | 63 | 9.54 | 3.698 | .466 | 0.04 |
At 3 months | 12 | 11.92 | 3.630 | 1.048 |
Difficulty in accomplishing tasks | Initial | 63 | 2.75 | 1.586 | .200 | 0.07 |
At 3 months | 12 | 3.67 | 1.923 | .555 |
Perception of the process of caring for one's own health | Initial | 63 | 1.59 | 1.159 | .146 | 0.07 |
At 3 months | 12 | 2.25 | 1.215 | .351 |
The feeling of contentment | Initial | 63 | 3.81 | 1.605 | .202 | 0.13 |
At 3 months | 12 | 4.75 | 1.913 | .552 |
The desire to get out of the situation | Initial | 63 | 2.13 | 1.085 | .137 | 0.03 |
At 3 months | 12 | 2.83 | .577 | .167 |
The desire to communicate | Initial | 63 | 2.16 | .865 | .109 | 0.73 |
At 3 months | 12 | 2.25 | .754 | .218 |
The feeling of abuse | Initial | 63 | 4.25 | 2.776 | .350 | 0.06 |
At 3 months | 12 | 5.92 | 2.811 | .811 |
Relationship with the patient or other people | Initial | 63 | 2.56 | 2.093 | .264 | 0.08 |
At 3 months | 12 | 3.75 | 2.563 | .740 |
Emotional well-being | Initial | 63 | 1.75 | .803 | .101 | 0.35 |
At 3 months | 12 | 2.00 | 1.128 | .326 |
Patient’s Fate | Initial | 63 | 2.71 | .728 | .092 | 0.58 |
At 3 months | 12 | 2.83 | .389 | .112 |
Desire to socialize | Initial | 63 | 2.95 | 1.349 | .170 | 0.77 |
At 3 months | 12 | 2.83 | 1.030 | .297 |
Personal Time | Initial | 63 | 3.92 | 1.440 | .181 | 0.58 |
At 3 months | 12 | 4.17 | 1.193 | .345 |
Relaxation Period | Initial | 63 | 2.08 | .903 | .114 | 0.75 |
At 3 months | 12 | 2.17 | .718 | .207 |
Life Standard | Initial | 63 | 1.95 | 1.023 | .129 | 0.045 |
At 3 months | 12 | 2.58 | .996 | .288 |
Giving-up future plans | Initial | 63 | 3.30 | 1.956 | .246 | 0.1 |
At 3 months | 12 | 4.33 | 2.060 | .595 |
Table 5. Assessment of the aspects of the burden in the PrC 1 comparatively between time T0 and T3
In the case of the oncological patients’ caregivers (PrC2), the comparison of the results between T0 and over 3 months (T3) showed a statistically significant increase in the burden for several aspects: physical exhaustion (p = 0.02), the perception of the caregiver's health care process (p = 0.03), the desire to get out of the situation (p = 0.04), the relationship with the patient or other people (p = 0.03), the time taken for oneself (p = 0.045), and giving up plans (p = 0.03) (Table 6).
Table 6
Evaluation of the aspects of the burden at the group PrC2 comparatively between the moment T0 and T3
Care Aspect / Time | N | Mean | Std. Deviation | Std. Error | p value |
Physical Exhaustion | Initial | 77 | 7.69 | 3.778 | .430 | 0.02 |
At 3 months | 13 | 10.31 | 4.697 | 1.303 |
Difficulty in accomplishing tasks | Initial | 77 | 2.32 | 1.626 | .185 | 0.9 |
At 3 months | 13 | 2.38 | 1.325 | .368 |
Perception of the process of caring for one's own health | Initial | 77 | 1.08 | 1.061 | .121 | 0.03 |
At 3 months | 13 | 1.77 | 1.235 | .343 |
The feeling of contentment | Initial | 77 | 3.06 | 1.845 | .210 | 0.32 |
At 3 months | 13 | 3.62 | 1.895 | .525 |
The desire to get out of the situation | Initial | 77 | 1.78 | 1.034 | .118 | 0.04 |
At 3 months | 13 | 2.38 | .870 | .241 |
The desire to communicate | Initial | 77 | 2.00 | 1.026 | .117 | 0.79 |
At 3 months | 13 | 1.92 | .862 | .239 |
The feeling of abuse | Initial | 77 | 3.53 | 2.761 | .315 | 0.06 |
At 3 months | 13 | 5.08 | 3.040 | .843 |
Relationship with the patient or other people | Initial | 77 | 1.96 | 1.765 | .201 | 0.03 |
At 3 months | 13 | 3.15 | 1.994 | .553 |
Emotional well-being | Initial | 77 | 1.53 | .954 | .109 | 0.58 |
At 3 months | 13 | 1.69 | 1.032 | .286 |
Patient’s Fate | Initial | 77 | 2.62 | .726 | .083 | 0.7 |
At 3 months | 13 | 2.54 | .877 | .243 |
Desire to socialize | Initial | 77 | 2.71 | 1.223 | .139 | 0.78 |
At 3 months | 13 | 2.62 | 1.044 | .290 |
Personal Time | Initial | 77 | 3.17 | 1.728 | .197 | 0.045 |
At 3 months | 13 | 4.15 | 1.676 | .465 |
Relaxation Period | Initial | 77 | 1.75 | 1.066 | .121 | 0.43 |
At 3 months | 13 | 2.00 | .913 | .253 |
Life Standard | Initial | 77 | 1.44 | 1.118 | .127 | 0.15 |
At 3 months | 13 | 1.92 | 1.038 | .288 |
Giving-up future plans | Initial | 77 | 2.16 | 1.987 | .226 | 0.03 |
At 3 months | 13 | 3.46 | 2.184 | .606 |
Table 6. Evaluation of the aspects of the burden at the group PrC2 comparatively between the moment T0 and T3
When comparing the care burden between two groups at moment T0, it was observed that the burden was higher for non-oncological diseases than for oncological diseases, with statistical significance in the following aspects: physical exhaustion (p = 0.004), perception of the process of care on one's health (p = 0.008), the feeling of satisfaction/dissatisfaction (p = 0.01), the time taken for oneself (p = 0.007), the time spent relaxing (p = 0.056), the standard of living (p = 0.006) and the abandonment of plans. In the same way, the relationship with the patient or those with other people was modified negatively (p = 0.07), and the desire to get out of the situation had increased (p = 0.05). All these factors profoundly affected the caregivers’ life standards (p = 0.006) (Table 7).
Table 7
Comparison of care burden between PrC1 and PrC2 at time T0
Care Aspect / Group of Patients | N | Mean | Std. Deviation | Std. Error Mean | P value |
Physical Exhaustion | non-oncologic | 63 | 9.54 | 3.698 | .466 | 0.004 |
oncological | 77 | 7.69 | 3.778 | .430 |
Difficulty in accomplishing tasks | non-oncologic | 63 | 2.75 | 1.586 | .200 | 0.12 |
oncologic | 77 | 2.32 | 1.626 | .185 |
Perception of the process of caring for one's own health | non-oncologic | 63 | 1.59 | 1.159 | .146 | 0.008 |
oncologic | 77 | 1.08 | 1.061 | .121 |
The feeling of contentment | non-oncologic | 63 | 3.81 | 1.605 | .202 | 0.01 |
oncologic | 77 | 3.06 | 1.845 | .210 |
The desire to get out of the situation | non-oncologic | 63 | 2.13 | 1.085 | .137 | 0.05 |
oncologic | 77 | 1.78 | 1.034 | .118 |
The desire to communicate | non-oncologic | 63 | 2.16 | .865 | .109 | 0.33 |
oncologic | 77 | 2.00 | 1.026 | .117 |
The feeling of abuse | non-oncologic | 63 | 4.25 | 2.776 | .350 | 0.12 |
oncologic | 77 | 3.53 | 2.761 | .315 |
Relationship with the patient or other people | non-oncologic | 63 | 2.56 | 2.093 | .264 | 0.07 |
oncologic | 77 | 1.96 | 1.765 | .201 |
Emotional well-being | non-oncologic | 63 | 1.75 | .803 | .101 | 0.16 |
oncologic | 77 | 1.53 | .954 | .109 |
Patient’s Fate | non-oncologic | 63 | 2.71 | .728 | .092 | 0.46 |
oncologic | 77 | 2.62 | .726 | .083 |
Desire to socialize | non-oncologic | 63 | 2.95 | 1.349 | .170 | 0.27 |
oncologic | 77 | 2.71 | 1.223 | .139 |
Personal Time | non-oncologic | 63 | 3.92 | 1.440 | .181 | 0.007 |
oncologic | 77 | 3.17 | 1.728 | .197 |
Relaxation Period | non-oncologic | 63 | 2.08 | .903 | .114 | 0.056 |
oncologic | 77 | 1.75 | 1.066 | .121 |
Life Standard | non-oncologic | 63 | 1.95 | 1.023 | .129 | 0.006 |
oncologic | 77 | 1.44 | 1.118 | .127 |
Giving-up future plans | non-oncologic | 63 | 3.30 | 1.956 | .246 | 0.001 |
oncologic | 77 | 2.16 | 1.987 | .226 |
Table 7. Comparison of care burden between PrC1 and PrC2 at time T0
One month after hospitalization(T1), a non-significant reduction in the burden for the PrC1 group was observed for the following aspects: the feeling of satisfaction, the reduction of worries about the patient’s fate, and the existence of a relaxation period by the care team taking over the tasks. The efficiency and necessity of a respite period for caregivers were highlighted, especially for those involved in the care of the non-oncology patients (Table 8)
Table 8
Comparison of the burden of care between PrC1 and PrC2 at time T1
Care Aspect / Group of Patients | N | Mean | Std. Deviation | Std. Error Mean | P value |
Physical Exhaustion | non-oncologic | 25 | 9.68 | 2.610 | .522 | 0.81 |
oncologic | 25 | 9.88 | 3.420 | .684 |
Difficulty in accomplishing tasks | non-oncologic | 25 | 3.00 | 1.581 | .316 | 0.62 |
oncologic | 25 | 3.24 | 1.832 | .366 |
Perception of the process of caring for one's own health | non-oncologic | 25 | 1.80 | .866 | .173 | 0.19 |
oncologic | 25 | 1.48 | .872 | .174 |
The feeling of contentment | non-oncologic | 25 | 3.56 | 1.325 | .265 | 0.36 |
oncologic | 25 | 3.16 | 1.748 | .350 |
The desire to get out of the situation | non-oncologic | 25 | 2.16 | .943 | .189 | 0.12 |
oncologic | 25 | 1.72 | 1.021 | .204 |
The desire to communicate | non-oncologic | 25 | 2.20 | .816 | .163 | 0.86 |
oncologic | 25 | 2.24 | .879 | .176 |
The feeling of abuse | non-oncologic | 25 | 4.68 | 2.479 | .496 | 0.64 |
oncologic | 25 | 4.36 | 2.343 | .469 |
Relationship with the patient or other people | non-oncologic | 25 | 3.36 | 2.515 | .503 | 0.41 |
oncologic | 25 | 2.76 | 2.619 | .524 |
Emotional well-being | non-oncologic | 25 | 1.84 | 1.028 | .206 | 0.89 |
oncologic | 25 | 1.88 | 1.013 | .203 |
Patient’s Fate | non-oncologic | 25 | 2.68 | .690 | .138 | 0.82 |
oncologic | 25 | 2.64 | .569 | .114 |
Desire to socialize | non-oncologic | 25 | 3.32 | 1.376 | .275 | 0.28 |
oncologic | 25 | 2.92 | 1.256 | .251 |
Personal Time | non-oncologic | 25 | 4.16 | 1.546 | .309 | 0.72 |
oncologic | 25 | 4.32 | 1.701 | .340 |
Relaxation Period | non-oncologic | 25 | 1.92 | 1.077 | .215 | 0.88 |
oncologic | 25 | 1.96 | .935 | .187 |
Life Standard | non-oncologic | 25 | 2.28 | .891 | .178 | 0.45 |
oncologic | 25 | 2.08 | .997 | .199 |
Giving-up future plans | non-oncologic | 25 | 3.52 | 1.388 | .278 | 0.22 |
oncologic | 25 | 3.00 | 1.607 | .321 |
Table 8. Comparison of the burden of care between PrC1 and PrC2 at time T1
At 2 months, the burden score increased for all aspects. It should be mentioned that the number of patients who were evaluated at 2 months was small for both groups (13 caregivers in PrC1 and 17 caregivers in PrC2). The desire to escape responsibilities was an aspect that accounted for the difference in the evaluation at 2 months between the non-oncological and oncological patient groups (p = 0.01) and the difference was significantly higher in the PrC1 group (Table 9).
Table 9
Comparison of care burden between PrC1 and PrC2 at time T2
Care Aspect / Group of Patients | N | Mean | Std. Deviation | Std. Error Mean | P value |
Physical Exhaustion | non-oncologic | 13 | 11.15 | 2.996 | .831 | 0.06 |
oncologic | 17 | 8.59 | 4.032 | .978 |
Difficulty in accomplishing tasks | non-oncologic | 13 | 3.08 | 1.553 | .431 | 0.14 |
oncologic | 17 | 2.24 | 1.480 | .359 |
Perception of the process of caring for one's own health | non-oncologic | 13 | 1.77 | 1.235 | .343 | 0.17 |
oncologic | 17 | 1.18 | 1.074 | .261 |
The feeling of contentment | non-oncologic | 13 | 4.00 | 1.780 | .494 | 0.13 |
oncologic | 17 | 2.94 | 1.919 | .466 |
The desire to get out of the situation | non-oncologic | 13 | 2.54 | .660 | .183 | 0.01 |
oncologic | 17 | 1.76 | .831 | .202 |
The desire to communicate | non-oncologic | 13 | 2.08 | .862 | .239 | 0.54 |
oncologic | 17 | 1.88 | .857 | .208 |
The feeling of abuse | non-oncologic | 13 | 4.77 | 2.976 | .826 | 0.14 |
oncologic | 17 | 3.35 | 2.178 | .528 |
Relationship with the patient or other people | non-oncologic | 13 | 2.92 | 2.139 | .593 | 0.17 |
oncologic | 17 | 1.94 | 1.713 | .415 |
Emotional well-being | non-oncologic | 13 | 1.62 | 1.193 | .331 | 0.5 |
oncologic | 17 | 1.35 | .931 | .226 |
Patient’s Fate | non-oncologic | 13 | 2.77 | .439 | .122 | 0.14 |
oncologic | 17 | 2.35 | .931 | .226 |
Desire to socialize | non-oncologic | 13 | 2.69 | 1.377 | .382 | 0.91 |
oncologic | 17 | 2.65 | .931 | .226 |
Personal Time | non-oncologic | 13 | 4.08 | 1.382 | .383 | 0.14 |
oncologic | 17 | 3.35 | 1.222 | .296 |
Relaxation Period | non-oncologic | 13 | 1.92 | .862 | .239 | 0.16 |
oncologic | 17 | 1.47 | .874 | .212 |
Life Standard | non-oncologic | 13 | 2.08 | .954 | .265 | 0.06 |
oncologic | 17 | 1.41 | .939 | .228 |
Giving-up future plans | non-oncologic | 13 | 3.77 | 1.922 | .533 | 0.34 |
oncologic | 17 | 3.00 | 2.318 | .562 |
Table 9. Comparison of care burden between PrC1 and PrC2 at time T2
At three months, the value of the burden increased significantly, with no significant differences between the PrC1 and PrC2 groups; it should be mentioned that the number of people evaluated was small due to the death of patients during the study (Table 10)
Table 10
Comparison of care burden between P1 and P2 at time T3
Care Aspect / Group of Patients | N | Mean | Std. Deviation | Std. Error Mean | P value |
Physical Exhaustion | non-oncologic | 12 | 11.92 | 3.630 | 1.048 | 0.35 |
oncologic | 13 | 10.31 | 4.697 | 1.303 |
Difficulty in accomplishing tasks | non-oncologic | 12 | 3.67 | 1.923 | .555 | 0.06 |
oncologic | 13 | 2.38 | 1.325 | .368 |
Perception of the process of caring for one's own health | non-oncologic | 12 | 2.25 | 1.215 | .351 | 0.33 |
oncologic | 13 | 1.77 | 1.235 | .343 |
The feeling of contentment | non-oncologic | 12 | 4.75 | 1.913 | .552 | 0.15 |
oncologic | 13 | 3.62 | 1.895 | .525 |
The desire to get out of the situation | non-oncologic | 12 | 2.83 | .577 | .167 | 0.14 |
oncologic | 13 | 2.38 | .870 | .241 |
The desire to communicate | non-oncologic | 12 | 2.25 | .754 | .218 | 0.32 |
oncologic | 13 | 1.92 | .862 | .239 |
The feeling of abuse | non-oncologic | 12 | 5.92 | 2.811 | .811 | 0.48 |
oncologic | 13 | 5.08 | 3.040 | .843 |
Relationship with the patient or other people | non-oncologic | 12 | 3.75 | 2.563 | .740 | 0.52 |
oncologic | 13 | 3.15 | 1.994 | .553 |
Emotional well-being | non-oncologic | 12 | 2.00 | 1.128 | .326 | 0.48 |
oncologic | 13 | 1.69 | 1.032 | .286 |
Patient’s Fate | non-oncologic | 12 | 2.83 | .389 | .112 | 0.29 |
oncologic | 13 | 2.54 | .877 | .243 |
Desire to socialize | non-oncologic | 12 | 2.83 | 1.030 | .297 | 0.6 |
oncologic | 13 | 2.62 | 1.044 | .290 |
Personal Time | non-oncologic | 12 | 4.17 | 1.193 | .345 | 0.98 |
oncologic | 13 | 4.15 | 1.676 | .465 |
Relaxation Period | non-oncologic | 12 | 2.17 | .718 | .207 | 0.61 |
oncologic | 13 | 2.00 | .913 | .253 |
Life Standard | non-oncologic | 12 | 2.58 | .996 | .288 | 0.11 |
oncologic | 13 | 1.92 | 1.038 | .288 |
Giving-up future plans | non-oncologic | 12 | 4.33 | 2.060 | .595 | 0.31 |
oncologic | 13 | 3.46 | 2.184 | .606 |
Table 10. Comparison of care burden between P1 and P2 at time T3