Prevalence of and factors associated with demoralization among family caregivers of palliative care patients in Hong Kong.

Autor:	Chan WCH; Department of Social Work, Education, Community Wellbeing, Northumbria University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK., Yu CTK; Department of Social Work, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong., Kwok DK; Department of Social Work, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong., Wan JKM; Medical Social Work Department, Bradbury Hospice, Hospital Authority, Shatin, Hong Kong.
Jazyk:	angličtina
Zdroj:	Palliative & supportive care [Palliat Support Care] 2023 Jul 06, pp. 1-11. Date of Electronic Publication: 2023 Jul 06.
DOI:	10.1017/S1478951523000950
Abstrakt:	Objectives: This study aims to examine (1) the prevalence of demoralization among family caregivers of palliative care patients (PCP) in Hong Kong, (2) the percentage of caregivers who are demoralized but not depressed, (3) the factors associated with demoralization, and (4) the differences in caregivers' support needs between high and low levels of demoralization groups. Methods: Ninety-four family caregivers were recruited and completed a questionnaire that included measures of demoralization, depression and caregiving strain, caregivers' support needs, and demographic information. Results: The prevalence of demoralization among family caregivers of PCP was found to be 12.8% (cutoff score = 50) and 51.1% (cutoff score = 30). Although 27.7% of caregivers met the criteria of depression and demoralization, 12.8% of demoralized caregivers were not depressed. Depression and caregiving strain were identified as the predictors of demoralization. Caregivers with a poorer subjective physical status and a lower education level are more prone to demoralization. The three major caregivers' needs for support reported were (1) knowing what to expect in the future (77.7%); (2) knowing who to contact (74.5%); and (3) understanding your relative's illness (73.4%). Those who experienced a high level of demoralization often reported more need for support in end-of-life caregiving. Significance of Results: This is the first study that focused on the demoralization of family caregivers of PCP in the East Asian context. Demoralization is prevalent among these caregivers. We recommend that early assessment of demoralization among family caregivers of PCP be considered, especially for those who are more depressed and have a higher level of caregiving stress.
Databáze:	MEDLINE
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