Psychological Well-being of Caregivers for Malignant Brain Tumor Patients
Overview
This study assessed mental health among 115 caregivers of malignant brain tumor patients in Japan using the Distress and Impact Thermometer (DIT). Findings revealed that 43.4% of caregivers were suspected to have adjustment disorder or depression, with multiple caregiver- and patient-related factors significantly associated with this status.
Background
Caregivers of cancer patients often experience impaired mental health due to the demands of caregiving, with depression and anxiety being common. Various tools, including the DIT, have been used to screen for mental health issues in this population. Previous studies have identified factors influencing caregiver distress, but data specific to caregivers of malignant brain tumor patients in Japan remain limited. This study aimed to fill that gap by evaluating caregivers’ mental health and associated factors.
Data Highlights
Measure
Value
Range
Caregiver median distress score (DIT)
4
0–10
Caregivers with distress score ≥4
68 (59.1%)
Caregiver median inconvenience score (DIT)
3
0–10
Caregivers with inconvenience score ≥3
58 (50.0%)
Caregivers suspected depression group
50 (43.4%)
Caregiver EQ-5D-5L utility score (median)
0.87
0.53–1.00
Patient gender (male)
71 (61.7%)
Patient diagnosis: Glioblastoma
49 (42.6%)
Patient diagnosis: Grade 3 gliomas
28 (24.3%)
Patient EQ-5D-5L utility score (median)
0.71
0.03–1.00
Key Findings
43.4% of caregivers were classified as suspected depression cases based on DIT scores.
Caregiver factors significantly associated with suspected depression included younger age, negative feelings about current life, presence of daily worries or stress, caregiving difficulties, and fatigue from caregiving.
Caregivers with suspected depression had significantly lower health-related quality of life scores.
Patient-related factors linked to caregiver suspected depression included shorter time since diagnosis, worse current disease condition, lack of social support for the patient, lower patient quality of life, and impaired patient usual activities.
The median caregiver distress score was 4, with over half scoring above the distress threshold.
Patients were predominantly male, with glioblastoma being the most common diagnosis.
Clinical Implications
Clinicians should be aware that nearly half of caregivers of malignant brain tumor patients may experience significant psychological distress or depression. Screening caregivers using simple tools like the DIT can help identify those at risk. Addressing caregiver stressors, improving social support, and monitoring caregiver quality of life are important to optimize both caregiver and patient outcomes.
Conclusion
This study highlights a high prevalence of suspected depression among caregivers of malignant brain tumor patients in Japan and identifies multiple caregiver and patient factors influencing mental health. Targeted interventions are needed to support this vulnerable population.
References
Geng et al. 2020 -- Depression and anxiety in cancer caregivers
Asai et al. 2021 -- Use of DIT for caregiver mental health assessment
Forst et al. 2019 -- Anxiety and distress in malignant brain tumor caregivers
Russell et al. 2018 -- Caregiver strain in high-grade glioma survivors
