Palliative Care Awareness Among Caregivers of Cancer Patients in Turkey: A Cross-Sectional Study

Palliative care awareness among family caregivers plays a critical role in the timely utilization of supportive care services. However, awareness levels and associated factors among caregivers of cancer patients remain insufficiently explored in Türkiye. This study aimed to evaluate palliative care awareness and identify factors associated with awareness among caregivers of cancer patients.

This cross-sectional study included 550 caregivers of cancer patients receiving treatment at oncology clinics. Sociodemographic characteristics, caregiving-related factors, and palliative care awareness levels were assessed using a structured questionnaire. Associations between awareness and explanatory variables were evaluated using chi-square tests. Independent predictors of awareness were determined by multivariable logistic regression analysis.

Among the 550 caregivers included in the study, 277 (50.4%) reported no knowledge of palliative care, 141 (25.6%) reported sufficient knowledge, and 131 (23.8%) reported limited knowledge. Higher educational level, active employment, older age, closer relationship to the patient, advanced disease stage, and previous exposure to palliative care services were significantly associated with greater awareness. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, education level (OR = 2.05, 95% CI: 1.35-3.15, p < 0.001), employment status (OR = 1.79, 95% CI: 1.23-2.61, p = 0.003), age (OR = 1.04, 95% CI: 1.01-1.07, p = 0.004), disease stage (OR = 1.34, 95% CI: 1.05-1.72, p = 0.016), caregiver relationship (OR = 1.94, 95% CI: 1.18-3.17, p = 0.008), and having a relative who had previously received palliative care (OR = 2.34, 95% CI: 1.42-3.84, p < 0.001) were identified as independent predictors of awareness.

Palliative care awareness among caregivers of cancer patients remains limited. Educational level, caregiving experience, and exposure to palliative care services significantly influence awareness. Strategies aimed at improving caregiver education and increasing public awareness may facilitate earlier integration of palliative care into oncology practice.