To explore the psychological adaptation status of primary caregivers of postoperative thyroid cancer patients and analyze the relationships among caregiver burden, caregiving competence, and psychological adaptation.
Key Findings:
Psychological adaptation scores of caregivers increased significantly from T0 to T3 (P < 0.001).
Scores on the FCTI and ZBI decreased significantly over the same period.
PAS was negatively correlated with both FCTI and ZBI at all time points (T0–T3).
Time and having one caregiver were significant positive predictors of psychological adaptation.
ZBI and FCTI scores were significant negative predictors of psychological adaptation.
Interpretation:
Caregivers with less capacity to care and who experience more burden tend to have poorer psychological adjustment.
Limitations:
The study was conducted at a single hospital, which may limit generalizability.
The reliance on self-reported measures may introduce bias.
Conclusion:
The psychological adjustment levels of primary caregivers showed a significant upward trend in the 6 months following thyroid cancer surgery, while caregiving capacity and burden showed a significant downward trend.
