Caregiver activation of relatives of patients with advanced cancer

Relatives of patients with advanced cancer often have many caring responsibilities. Not everyone may have sufficient knowledge, skills, and confidence-also known as caregiver activation-to provide such care. We assessed caregiver activation in relatives and its association with their personal characteristics and their own well-being.

A cross-sectional study among relatives of patients with advanced cancer. Measures included caregiver activation (C-PAM), resilience, personal self-care, caregiver burden, depressive symptoms, quality of life, and social well-being. The C-PAM distinguishes four levels of activation, ranging from poor (level 1) to adequate (level 4). Bivariate and multivariable regression analyses were performed.

Two hundred fifty-four relatives were included; 32% had level 1 activation, 30% level 2, 27% level 3 and 11% level 4. Higher levels of caregiver activation were found among partners, those who provided more hours of informal care, were more resilient, and scored higher on personal self-care. Higher caregiver activation was associated with lower caregiver burden, less depressive symptoms, and better social well-being.

In our study, the majority of relatives seem insufficiently prepared to provide care for their loved one. Supporting them in gaining knowledge, skills, and confidence to provide such care may improve their own well-being.