Caregiver Burden and Quality of Life Among Parents of Children With Cancer in India

Strategic Insights -

Cancer patients in low- and middle-income countries, such as India, place a significant burden on their caregivers, who often experience physical, emotional, social, and financial challenges. A recent study explored the caregiver burden and quality of life among parents of children with cancer in the Indian context, highlighting the importance of social support and family-centered interventions in reducing the burden and improving outcomes.

Key Takeaways:

  • The median caregiver burden score was 66 (IQR 23.5) among 200 primary caregivers of pediatric oncology patients, with 66% experiencing severe burden.
  • Caregiver burden was higher among mothers, caregivers with lower education, those unemployed, and those living in nuclear families.
  • Burden negatively correlated with duration of illness (r = -0.75), suggesting that longer illness duration is associated with increased caregiver burden.
  • Strengthening social support and implementing family-centered interventions may help reduce the burden and improve outcomes for parents of children with cancer.
  • The study highlights the need for addressing the socio-cultural and economic factors influencing caregiver burden and quality of life.

Statistics:

  • 66% of caregivers experienced severe burden, as measured by the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI).
  • Caregiver burden scores were higher among mothers (71.5) compared to fathers (58.2).
  • Caregivers with lower education (43.1 vs. 58.2) and those unemployed (65.1 vs. 55.9) experienced higher burden scores.
  • The average duration of illness was 12.6 months (SD 8.5).

Sources:

  • Caregiver Burden and Quality of Life Among Parents of Children With Cancer: A Cross-Sectional Study. American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Medicine, 2025:10499091251352797.
  • American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Medicine is published by Sage Publications Inc (2455 Teller Rd, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320, USA).
  • All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) is cited as a source in the research, with contact information for Seema Mishra (Dept. of Onco-Anaesthesia and Palliative Medicine, AIIMS, New Delhi, India).