Comparison of quality of life of Turkish cancer patients and their family caregivers.

Aim: The purpose of this study was to compare the quality of life (QoL) of cancer patients and their family caregivers and determine associations.

Methods: A total of 93 paired patients and caregivers from an outpatient chemotherapy unit of the oncology units were recruited at a large university hospital in İzmir, all completing the Quality of Life Scale (QoLS).

Results: The mean age of patients was 45.2 years, and of their family caregivers was 40.5. The results indicated that the patients perceived a poorer quality of life than their family caregivers. There was a middle and positive correlation between the social participation and work performance dimensions of patients' QoL and social participation and work performance dimension of family caregivers' QoL (r =0.273, p< 0.01). The study revealed that the gender, education level, employment and marital status were not statistically significant factors affecting the patients' quality of life (p> 0.05). Caregivers' employment status was found to have an affect on their quality of life (p < 0.05).

Conclusions: Cancer affects not only the patients but also their family caregivers. Both should be taught communication skills, financial planning and distress management skills and be given spiritual support to decrease effects of cancer on their quality of life.