THE CAREGIVING BURDEN AND RESPONSE MEASURES OF PRIMARY CAREGIVERS OF GYNECOLOGICAL CANCER PATIENTS AT HANOI GYNECOLOGICAL HOSPITAL IN 2021

Abstract

Objective: To describe the status of caregiving burdens experienced by primary caregivers of cancer patients and the measures adopted by the primary caregivers. Method: Data was collected from January to April, 2021 by qualitative method on 22 primary caregivers of cancer patients who came for treatment at Hanoi Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital. Results: Burden of care is common among primary caregivers of cancer patients, with mental, physical, and economic burdens most prevalent. Subjects coped with these burdens in a number of ways by themselves or by seeking help from those around them, especially medical staff. From there, the article recommends that appropriate support measures should be taken to reduce the burden of care for these subjects. Conclusion: The primary caregivers of gynecological cancer patients have diverse manifestations of care burden, in which physical, mental and economic burden of care manifestations are the most common. The help and support of those around, especially medical staff, play an important role in helping caregivers cope with these pressures.