What factors are associated with posttraumatic growth in head and neck cancer carers?

Abstract Purpose Researchers have recently called for more work to be conducted on positive outcomes and head and neck cancer. The purpose of this study was to investigate the factors associated with posttraumatic growth in head and neck cancer caregivers. Methods and sample 197 carers were surveyed...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:European journal of oncology nursing : the official journal of European Oncology Nursing Society 2016-04, Vol.21, p.31-37
Main Authors: Balfe, Myles, O' Brien, Katie, Timmons, Aileen, Butow, Phyllis, O' Sullivan, Eleanor, Gooberman-Hill, Rachael, Sharp, Linda
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Caregivers - psychology
Carer
Cross-Sectional Studies
Female
Head & neck cancer
Head and Neck Neoplasms - psychology
Head and Neck Neoplasms - therapy
Hematology, Oncology and Palliative Medicine
Humans
Male
Nursing
Personal Satisfaction
Posttraumatic growth
Psychosocial
Quality of Life
Social Support
Socioeconomic Factors
Time Factors
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Summary:Abstract Purpose Researchers have recently called for more work to be conducted on positive outcomes and head and neck cancer. The purpose of this study was to investigate the factors associated with posttraumatic growth in head and neck cancer caregivers. Methods and sample 197 carers were surveyed. A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was used. Results In multivariate analysis the following factors were statistically significantly associated with increased posttraumatic growth: social support, longer time since diagnosis, increased worry about cancer and increased financial stress and strain stemming from caring. Conclusions While HNC carers in the post-treatment phase of the illness trajectory can experience considerable psychological burdens, this study suggests that these burdens can lead some carers to experience growth and change and an expanded sense of themselves and their social worlds. Implications for nursing practice are discussed.
ISSN:1462-3889
1532-2122
DOI:10.1016/j.ejon.2015.11.005