Análise do bem-estar de cuidadores familiares de adultos com neoplasia maligna no âmbito domiciliar

Abstract

Current descriptive and cross-sectional investigation, featuring a quantitative approach, analyzes total well-being of family caretakers of adults suffering from cancer within the home milieu, and suggests measures to promote the caregivers' overall well-being. Caregivers were contacted through the Maringá regional section of Women's Network against Cancer (RFCC), which attends to cancer patients. Patients were clients of the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS), with scanty financial resources, and resident in towns served by the 15th Health Region of the state of Paraná, Brazil. During the period of data collection, the RFCC had 273 patients with malignant cancer on its records. Owing to their domicile in Maringá PR Brazil, 170 patients were selected. However, 74 were excluded and the final population under analysis was kept to 96 caregivers. A 12-question questionnaire was prepared to describe their social and demographic profile, whereas a questionnaire on Total Well-being Assessment (TWA) was employed for the survey's specific aims. Data collection occurred between July 2011 and February 2012 and results were organized and analyzed from databases by Excel 2012 and by Statistical Package for Social Sciences, SPSS 18.0, followed by a descriptive analysis (mean, standard deviation, frequency and percentage). Whereas Student's t test was employed for comparison of two means, Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) compared multiple comparisons, at a significance level p<0.05, so that the association between categorical variables (social and demographic data) and the metric variables (scores for questionnaire on Total Well-being Assessment) could be evaluated. Highest scores were appraised for spiritual and religious beliefs and, therefore, the factors that most contributed towards the raising of caregivers' well-being. Concern with the family and with the physical and emotional discomfort of the patient with cancer affected negatively the caregivers' overall well-being. Home care was considered a factor that provided greater calmness and privacy for the family caregivers with the enhancement of their welfare. The socio-demographic characteristics related to a decrease in well-being comprised separated spouse, mothers, high schooling level, performance of professional activities, sole caregiver condition, family income lower than minimum wage, and health problems. It may be concluded that health teams should be sensitive to tensions experienced by caregivers dealing with patients with cancer at home and thus may plan interventions according to circumstances enhancing the physical, emotional, social, cultural, spiritual and ethical topics involved. Above information is highly relevant for more effective systematic care that would transform the experienced reality for the individuals by promoting the caregivers' well-being.