Work

Financial toxicity and related factors: A cross-sectional study among family caregivers of cancer patients

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Aims To examine the relationships among financial toxicity, social support, general self-efficacy, and patients’ socioeconomic status among family caregivers of cancer patients. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted (July–September 2024) with 210 family caregivers from a Chinese hospital. Socio-demographics and disease characteristics questionnaires were completed by each participant, the financial toxicity scale for cancer family caregivers, the Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS), the General Self-Efficacy Scale, and the Socioeconomic Status. Correlation and multivariable linear regression analyses were performed using SPSS 26.0. Results Caregivers reported substantial financial toxicity, with a mean score of 60.02 ± 10.45, approaching the upper limit of the scale (80 points). Regression analysis identified four key predictors: lower self-efficacy (β = -0.417, P < 0.001), catastrophic health expenditures (β = -0.231, P < 0.001), lack of commercial insurance (β = 0.127, P = 0.024), and reduced household income (β = -0.172, P = 0.002). Financial toxicity showed significant negative correlations with social support (r = -0.226), self-efficacy (r = -0.567), and patient socioeconomic status (r = -0.215) (all P < 0.01). Conclusion Self-efficacy is a key modifiable factor in mitigating financial toxicity among cancer caregivers. Practice Implications Interventions should incorporate self-efficacy enhancement, insurance guidance, and income-protection strategies to reduce caregiver burden. • Utilizes the Financial Toxicity Scale for Cancer Family Caregivers , a novel tool developed in China, to assess financial toxicity specific to the Chinese context. • Examines the sociodemographic characteristics of cancer patients and their family caregivers, offering a comprehensive analysis of their financial stressors. • Investigates the relationship between social support, general self-efficacy , and the financial toxicity experienced by family caregivers. • Provides a unique perspective on how socioeconomic status of cancer patients influences financial toxicity among Chinese cancer families. • Suggests potential interventions and policy recommendations to alleviate the financial burden on cancer caregivers in China.

Source: Patient Education and Counseling

DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2025.109426

Authors: Xiao Miao, Liang Ma, Na Lv, Fengqin Xu, Jia Sun, Susu Zhu

Institutions: Philippine Women's University, Kangda College of Nanjing Medical University, Xuzhou Medical College

Language: English

Topic: Economic and Financial Impacts of Cancer

Subfield: Economics and Econometrics

Field: Economics, Econometrics and Finance

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Reduced inequalities, No poverty

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,830