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Vulnerable characteristics and interest in wellness programs among head and neck cancer caregivers
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

Vulnerable characteristics and interest in wellness programs among head and neck cancer caregivers

Chandylen L Nightingale, Katherine R Sterba, Janet A Tooze, Brandy-Joe Milliron, Lee Anne Tetrick, Min-So Paek and Kathryn E Weaver
Supportive care in cancer, v 24(8), pp 3437-3445
Aug 2016
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-016-3160-z
PMID: 26992407
Featured in Collection :   UN Sustainable Development Goals @ Drexel
url
https://europepmc.org/articles/pmc4919231View
Accepted (AM)Open Access (License Unspecified),  Open

Abstract

Caregivers - psychology Female Head and Neck Neoplasms - rehabilitation Health Promotion - methods Humans Male Mental Health - standards Middle Aged Surveys and Questionnaires
Head and neck cancer (HNC) caregivers have poorer psychological health compared to patients and the general population but have not yet been targeted for wellness programs to reduce adverse psychosocial or physical health outcomes. To inform development of such programs, we identified potential vulnerabilities to poor outcomes and examined wellness program preferences among HNC caregivers. We also examined whether interest in wellness programs varied by potential vulnerabilities among HNC caregivers. Surveys were administered to caregivers (n = 33) of HNC patients undergoing major surgery. Sociodemographic factors, caregiving characteristics, psychosocial functioning, and health behavior data were collected. Fisher's exact tests and t tests were used to examine characteristics associated with interest in the different types of wellness programs. Many caregivers reported a heavy caregiving load (88 % live with patient and 73 % provide daily care), a smoking history (42 %), and compromised psychosocial functioning (45 % with depressive symptoms and 33 % with anxiety above population norms). Most caregivers were interested in wellness programs focused on diet/exercise (71.9 %); cancer education (66.7 %); stress reduction (63.6 %); and finances, caregiving, and well-being (57.6 %). Caregivers endorsed highest interest in programs offered during the patient's medical treatment (63.6 %), and mail was the preferred program format (50.0 %). Those with more depressive symptoms reported more interest in programs focused on cancer education (p = 0.03); stress reduction (p = 0.05); and educational classes on finances, caregiving, and well-being (p = 0.01). Wellness programs offering a menu of options should be developed for HNC caregivers.

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14 citations in Web of Science
16 citations in Scopus

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UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

This publication has contributed to the advancement of the following goals:

#3 Good Health and Well-Being

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Collaboration types
Domestic collaboration
Web of Science research areas
Health Care Sciences & Services
Oncology
Rehabilitation
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