Caring ability and its related factors in the family caregivers of patients with cancer

Background: Caregivers of cancer patients experience a variety of challenges caused by the prolonged burden of care. Many of these caregivers do not have the necessary knowledge, skills and caring ability to fulfil their caring role. Therefore, healthcare providers should support them in learning to provide high-quality care. Evaluating caregivers' ability will be the first step of this supportive programme. Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the caring ability of the caregivers of cancer patients and its related factors. Methods: This descriptive correlational study was performed with 271 caregivers of cancer patients who were selected through convenience sampling conducted from July to December 2021 in selected hospitals in Tehran, the capital city of Iran. The data were collected using the caring ability of family caregivers of patients with cancer scale (CAFCPCS), which was developed by Nemati et al (2020). In addition, the stability reliability coefficient was calculated to be ICC=0.93. Data analysis was performed through Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (version 26), using descriptive and inferential statistics and correlation coefficient tests at a significance level of 0.05. Results: The mean score for the caring ability of the family caregivers of cancer patients in this study was 91.86 +/- 7.59. The mean total score of caring ability scale had a statistically significant correlation with the type of cancer and the duration of patient care (P-value=0.05). Conclusion: The results of the study demonstrated that the family caregivers of cancer patients do not have the necessary knowledge and awareness to perform their caring role effectively. Therefore, it is recommended to empower caregivers and use strategies to improve their trust, especially in caregivers who oversee patient care for a significant period of time.