The Impact of Emotional Burden on Caregivers: A Descriptive Correlational Study in the Province of Piacenza

Abstract

Background: The Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI) is a validated tool for assessing caregiver burden, while the Distress Thermometer (DT) measures patient distress. Research highlights a correlation between patient and caregiver burden, influenced by treatment type, duration, and disease progression. Interventions targeting caregivers can indirectly benefit patients by addressing insights from these tools.

Objective: To evaluate caregiver burden and patient distress and analyze related factors.

Methods: The ZBI (22 items, Likert scale, threshold ≥24) assessed caregiver burden, and the DT (threshold ≥4) measured patient distress.

Results: Patients were older than caregivers, with both groups predominantly female and residing in Piacenza province. Emotional distress affected 58.38% of patients, with worry and fatigue being most common, while 23.78% of caregivers reported significant burden, primarily fears about the future. A positive correlation (r=0.387) was found between patient distress and caregiver burden.

Conclusions: These findings highlight the interconnectedness of patient distress and caregiver burden, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to support caregivers, particularly younger women balancing multiple responsibilities, and to address the emotional and physical challenges faced by oncology patients undergoing intensive treatments

Implications for Practice: The significant correlation between patient distress and caregiver burden underscores the importance of integrating routine caregiver assessments into clinical oncology practice

Foundational: This study reinforces the established link between patient distress and caregiver burden in oncology. The use of validated tools such as the ZBI and DT to assess caregiver burden and patient distress establishes a reliable framework for assessing these factors in clinical practice