Caregiver Burden and Quality of Life Among Parents of Children With Cancer: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background Parents caring for children with cancer face substantial physical, emotional, social, and financial challenges, especially in low- and middle-income countries like India. Objective In this study, we aimed to assess caregiver burden and quality of life among parents of children with cancer in the Indian context, and to describe the socio-cultural and economic factors influencing these outcomes. Methods In this cross-sectional study, 200 primary caregivers of paediatric oncology patients were assessed using the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI), WHOQoL-BREF, and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS). Socio-demographic and clinical data were collected through interviews and review of medical records. Results The median ZBI score was 66 (IQR 23.5), with 66% of caregivers experiencing severe burden. Caregiver burden was higher among mothers, caregivers with lower education, those unemployed, and those living in nuclear families. Burden negatively correlated with duration of illness (r = −0.75, P < 0.05) and quality of life across all domains. Perceived social support was low, particularly among caregivers living alone or in nuclear families. Conclusions High caregiver burden and impaired quality of life were observed among caregivers in a resource-limited setting. Strengthening social support and implementing family-centred interventions may help reduce the burden and improve outcomes.