Examination of the Relationship Between Quality of Life and Caregiving Burden Among Caregivers of Pediatric Oncology Patients

EXAMİNATİON OF THE RELATİONSHİP BETWEEN QUALİTY OF LİFE AND CAREGİVİNG BURDEN AMONG CAREGİVERS OF PEDİATRİC OCOLOGY PATİENTS

Primary Aim

The primary aim of this study is to determine the quality of life and caregiving burden levels of caregivers of pediatric oncology patients and to examine the relationship between these two variables.

Secondary Aims

To evaluate the differences between caregivers' sociodemographic characteristics (age, gender, education level, marital status, income level, etc.) and their quality of life.

To examine the differences between caregivers' sociodemographic characteristics and their caregiving burden levels.

To determine whether caregivers' quality of life and caregiving burden differ according to the diagnosis and treatment characteristics of pediatric oncology patients (duration of diagnosis, type of treatment, frequency of hospitalization, etc.).

Significance of the Study

Childhood cancer is a process that deeply affects not only the patient but also the family, particularly the caregivers. Family members who provide care for children often face intense physical, psychological, social, and economic burdens. These challenges reduce caregivers' quality of life and increase their caregiving burden.

Identifying the relationship between the quality of life and caregiving burden among caregivers of pediatric oncology patients is highly important in planning support services for families during the care process and in strengthening family-centered care practices by healthcare professionals.

The findings of this study will contribute to the development of family-centered approaches in nursing care, the design of psychosocial support programs, and a better understanding of caregivers' needs.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Being a family member who provides care for a child aged 0-18 years diagnosed with cancer
• The child being in the active treatment phase (chemotherapy, radiotherapy, post-surgical follow-up, etc.)
• Being able to read and write in Turkish and having sufficient literacy to complete the research questionnaire
• Willingness to participate in the study

Exclusion Criteria:

• Not being the primary caregiver of the child (serving only as a short-term companion)
• Being unable to complete the questionnaire due to a psychiatric diagnosis or communication difficulties
• The child having a disability