Distress and coping in adult family caregivers of cancer patients in Namibia
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Date
2013
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Abstract
The research conducted was an exploratory study. The global aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between distress and the approaches to coping used by informal caregivers of cancer patients within the Namibian context. Adult caregivers (N= 65) visiting the Dr. A. Bernard May Cancer Care Centre as well as the Cancer Association of Namibia’s head office completed survey questionnaires. Bivariate correlations were conducted on the data in order to ascertain the unique relationship between the variables. The variables under investigation were; distress, anxiety, depression, caregiver burden, sense of coherence and coping strategies used by caregivers. In relation to global psychological distress a statistically significant level of distress was reported by participants. Caregivers reported experiencing mild levels of anxiety (22.9% positive cases) and high levels of depression(53.8% positive cases). Mild to moderate caregiver burden was reported by 41.5% of participants. The coping strategies used most by caregivers in this study were emotional support and acceptance followed by religion, instrumental support and positive reframing. A significant positive and moderate correlation was found between distress and depression (r = .36, p < .05). A significantly strong correlation was found between distress and the use of emotional support (r = .33, p < .05). Denial was moderately and significantly associated with distress (r = .24, p < .05). Overall the research findings are consistent with previous research as 64.7 % reported significant levels of distress, which when added to the notable level of depression found, may serve as an indication of the psychological strain of this form of caregiving. The inverse relationship found between distress and certain coping strategies may indicate potential buffering effects of certain coping strategies used by cancer caregivers within the Namibian context.
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A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology