Work

Caregiver Burden and Neuro‐Oncology Patient Function: Impacts on Relationship Quality

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Prior work has identified the protective effects of relationship quality on cancer outcomes. However, less work has focused on how the cancer experience can change relationship quality. AIMS: To describe neuro-oncology patient-caregiver relationship quality over time and identify the impact of caregiver burden and patient physical and cognitive function on perceptions of relationship quality. METHODS: This is a secondary analysis of data obtained at enrollment and 8 weeks. Actor-partner interdependence models of patient and caregiver ratings of their relationship to each other (Couples Satisfaction Index) over time also included baseline measures of patient cognitive and physical function (Neuro-QOL), caregiver burden (Zarit), and change in these measures. RESULTS: Data from 124 neuro-oncology patient-caregiver dyads were analyzed. Relationship quality at both time points, on average, indicated non-distressed relationships, but patients rated relationship quality significantly better than caregivers. Both rated relationship quality significantly worse over time (p values < 0.022). At baseline, caregiver burden was significantly negatively associated with patient (p = 0.014) and caregiver relationship quality (p < 0.001). Patient and caregiver baseline relationship quality predicted their own 8-week scores (actor effect; p values < 0.001). Baseline patient cognitive function (p = 0.011) and change in patient cognitive function (p = 0.039) were positively associated with 8-week patient relationship quality. Change in caregiver burden was negatively associated with 8-week caregiver relationship quality (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Prior research has largely focused on relationship quality as a resource, but factors associated with the cancer experience may impact perceptions of relationship quality. Lowering caregiver burden may be beneficial to preserving this important coping resource.

Source: Psycho-Oncology

DOI: 10.1002/pon.70634

Authors: Maija Reblin, Deanna Witte, Kristen J. Wells, Peter Forsyth, Margaret M. Byrne

Institutions: University of Vermont, Moffitt Cancer Center, San Diego State University

Language: English

Topic: Nursing care and research

Subfield: Research and Theory

Field: Nursing

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,940