PCN259 – Understanding Caregiver Burden in Colorectal Cancer: What Role Do Patient And Carer Factors Play?

Objectives This study aimed to explore the key determinants of caregiver burden in colorectal cancer (CRC) carers. Specifically we analysed the effect of (i) patient health (ii) care-related activities, and (iii) carer characteristics, as predictors of four distinct aspects of carer burden. Methods 495 CRC survivors (response rate = 39%) diagnosed 2007-2009 completed a questionnaire which collected information on socio-demographic characteristics, as well as disease and treatment-related factors. General health status was measured using the EORTC QLQ30.228 of these survivors indicated that they had informal carers who were then sent a questionnaire including questions on socio-demographic factors, health status and care-related costs as well as the Caregiver Reaction Assessment (CRA) scale. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis was used to assess the impact of patient factors, care-related activities and carer characteristics on four burden elements within the CRA (family support, finances, schedule, and health). Results 153 carers completed the carer questionnaire and were included in the analysis with their corresponding patients. Patient characteristics and disease-related factors were the strongest predictor of all four aspects of caregiver burden ranging from 14% to 22% of explained variance. Care-related activities also significantly predicted burden scores (explaining an additional 6% to 11% of variance), however carer characteristics only emerged as a significant predictor of the health burden scale (11% of explained variance). Key individual predictor variables of burden domains included patients’ general health status, presence of a stoma, and the time costs associated with care. Conclusions These results highlight the need to recognise the role that various factors play in determining carer burden. While certain aspects of carer characteristics influence this, patient health and care-related activities have the most significant impact pointing to a need to deliver effective support to those most at risk of carer burden