Coping and emotional discomfort in primary caregivers of cancer patients - Afrontamiento y malestar emocional en el cuidado primario del paciente con cáncer

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To assess the psychometric properties of the Carer's Assessment of Managing Index. To compare coping styles in caregivers of patients with terminal cancer (CPTC) and caregivers of patients on oncologic treatment (CPOT). To revise the association between coping styles, socio-demographic variables, and emotional discomfort in caregivers. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional and correlational study was conducted, in which 133 caregivers, 59 CPOT and 74 CPTC, were interviewed. Emotional discomfort (depression, anxiety, caregiver's burden) and coping styles were measured. RESULTS: The instrument was defined by three factors (alternate perception of events, active coping, and emotional regulation), with an internal consistency of α = 0.78. The alternate perception of events was the only coping style with statistically significant difference between CPOT and CPTC, and CPOT score higher in this regard. Different coping styles allow for more accurate prediction of emotional discomfort in CPTC, which showed more symptoms of anxiety, depression, caregiver's burden and physical illness. The study found a high occurrence of behaviors such as crying, screaming, smoking, anxiety eating and alcohol consumption in both CPOT and CPTC, all of which related to intense emotional discomfort. Active coping scores were higher when the caregivers had social support and a higher level of education (bachelor's degree or postgraduate studies). Active coping scores went down when different aspects of the caregiver's life were affected, when physical or psychological symptoms were present, and when the caregivers had more time in their role.