Caregivers' satisfaction with cervical cancer care in Ethiopia

Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among African women, following breast cancer. Palliative care is among the standards of care in cancer management. While caregivers play key roles in palliative care, their satisfaction with the care influences treatment outcomes and patients' quality of life. This study evaluated caregivers' satisfaction with the care provided to patients with advanced cervical cancer.

A cross-sectional evaluation of caregivers' satisfaction with patient care was conducted at a tertiary hospital in Ethiopia. The study tool included the 20-item family satisfaction with advanced cancer care (FAMCARE) and caregiver stress index (CSI). Using binary logistic regression, we identified factors associated with caregivers' satisfaction.

A total of 360 caregivers were interviewed. Most of the caregivers were male (58.1%), below the age of 35 years (60.8%), and educated to the high school level or less (64.4%). The average FAMCARE score was 77.7 out of the maximum 100. High satisfaction was observed among subscales "availability of treatment and care" and "psychosocial care," while low satisfaction was observed with "physical patient care" and "provision of information." Caregivers' stress and time dedicated to the caregiving were associated with caregivers' satisfaction.

Overall, high satisfaction with advanced care at the tertiary hospital was documented. However, the caregivers also bore high burden of strain. Management of caregivers' strain, prompt treatment of patients' symptoms, and provision of adequate information to the caregivers could further improve caregivers' satisfaction.