• Catherine E Mosher, Tamilyn Bakas, and Victoria L Champion.
• Department of Psychology, Indiana University-Purdue University, Indianapolis, IN, USA. cemosher@iupui.edu
• Oncol Nurs Forum. 2013 Jan 1;40(1):53-61.

Purpose/ObjectivesTo describe physical health, mental health, and life changes among family caregivers of patients with lung cancer.DesignCross-sectional quantitative study.SettingA university outpatient oncology center, two Veterans Affairs outpatient clinics, and a private outpatient oncology practice in Indianapolis, IN.Sample91 family caregivers of patients with lung cancer.MethodsData were collected using standardized instruments and analyzed using descriptive statistics and hierarchical multiple regression.Main Research VariablesDemographic and medical factors, physical health, mental health, and life changes from caregiving.FindingsCaregivers' physical health and mental health were below population norms, whereas social functioning did not differ from norms. More than 50% of caregivers reported negative emotional effects of caregiving, and more than 33% reported negative physical health effects of caregiving. About 40% of caregivers, however, reported positive changes in their relationships with the patients with lung cancer and other family members as a result of caregiving. Caregivers' mental health was more strongly associated with life changes than physical health.ConclusionsFindings suggest that many family caregivers of patients with lung cancer experience negative physical and mental health effects of caregiving, whereas relations with family members improve for a substantial minority of caregivers. These positive and negative consequences of caregiving should be jointly considered when developing self-report measures and interventions for this population.Implications For NursingNurses can conduct brief screening assessments to identify caregivers with probable distress and can provide practical and psychosocial support, as well as referrals to support services.Knowledge TranslationFindings suggest that interventions are needed to address the negative physical and emotional health consequences of caring for family members with lung cancer. Such interventions could build on the relational benefits of caregiving to improve the patient-caregiver relationship and expand caregivers' support system.

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