Table of Contents
Objectives of the Study on Caregiver Burden and Spiritual Well-being
The burden on caregivers of patients with head-and-neck cancer (HNC) is multifaceted, encompassing physical, emotional, cognitive, and moral challenges. Acknowledging these complexities, our study aims to explore the relationship between caregiver burden (CGB) and spiritual well-being (SWB), and how spiritual practices may enhance caregivers’ coping abilities. Specifically, we set out to assess CGB and SWB among caregivers of patients suffering from head-and-neck malignancies, recognizing that the assessment of CGB would be incomplete without considering the role of SWB (Vaishnav et al., 2025).
Methodology for Assessing Caregiver Burden and Spiritual Well-being
This cross-sectional study was conducted in a medical college-associated tertiary care center, following approval from the institutional ethics committee. The Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI) was utilized to determine the levels of CGB among caregivers. This instrument was translated into Gujarati to ensure cultural and contextual relevance, and it comprised 22 items assessing various aspects of caregiver burden. Concurrently, the Spiritual Well-Being Scale (SWBS) was employed to evaluate SWB, which was also translated and validated for this population. Demographic data relevant to both patients and caregivers were collected, including age, gender, type of malignancy, educational status, and occupation.
The study included 60 caregivers (37 males and 23 females) with a mean age of 44 years. The demographic characteristics of caregivers and patients are summarized in Table 1.
| Characteristic | Caregivers (n=60) | Patients (n=60) |
|---|---|---|
| Gender | 37 Male, 23 Female | 37 Male, 23 Female |
| Mean Age | 44 years | 55.56 years |
| Educational Status | Graduate and above: 19 | - |
| Undergraduate: 22 | - | |
| Primary education: 19 | - | |
| Occupation | Home-makers: 13 | - |
| Skilled: 18 | - | |
| Semi-skilled: 18 | - | |
| Type of Malignancy | - | Buccal mucosae: 31 |
| Tongue: 12 | ||
| Hard palate: 7 | ||
| Lip: 4 | ||
| Others: 6 |
Results: Characteristics of Patients and Caregivers in the Study
The analysis revealed that the mean duration since diagnosis for patients was 7.33 months. In terms of malignancy types, the majority were buccal mucosa lesions (31 cases), followed by tongue (12), hard palate (7), and lip cancers (4). Most caregivers reported experiencing mild to moderate CGB, reflecting the emotional and physical toll of caregiving. The mean CGB score was 35.30, indicating a significant burden among 66.7% of caregivers, with only a small percentage reporting no burden.
On the other hand, the mean SWB score among caregivers was substantially high at 81.70, indicating that 95% of caregivers experienced moderate to high levels of spiritual well-being. This positive correlation between higher SWB and lower CGB was statistically significant, suggesting that spiritual practices may serve as effective coping mechanisms for caregivers (Vaishnav et al., 2025).
Significance of Spiritual Well-being in Mitigating Caregiver Burden
The findings indicate a crucial relationship between SWB and CGB. Caregivers who reported higher levels of spiritual well-being were associated with lower levels of caregiver burden. This correlation suggests that spiritual practices such as prayer and meditation, which are often employed by caregivers to cope with the stresses of caregiving, may provide a necessary buffer against the emotional and physical strains associated with caring for patients with HNC.
Research has consistently shown that individuals with strong spiritual beliefs and practices tend to demonstrate better psychological resilience, improved coping strategies, and enhanced quality of life (Vaishnav et al., 2025). The integration of spiritual care into routine caregiver support may help alleviate the burdens faced by caregivers and improve their overall well-being.
Implications for Caregiver Support in Head-and-Neck Malignancy
The implications of these findings are profound, suggesting that healthcare providers should incorporate spiritual assessments into caregiver support programs. Recognizing the importance of spirituality in enhancing coping mechanisms can lead to more holistic approaches in caregiving. Such interventions could include spiritual counseling, support groups, and resources that encourage spiritual practices, ultimately aiming to improve the quality of life for both caregivers and patients.
Furthermore, healthcare institutions could benefit from developing comprehensive support systems that address the unique challenges faced by caregivers of HNC patients. This might involve training healthcare providers to recognize signs of caregiver burden and to provide necessary support that encompasses emotional, spiritual, and practical assistance.
Conclusion
In conclusion, our study underscores the importance of understanding the interplay between spiritual well-being and caregiver burden in the context of head-and-neck cancer care. The positive correlation identified suggests that enhancing spiritual well-being may mitigate caregiver burden, providing a pathway for improved support and interventions for caregivers. Future research should continue to explore this relationship, examining the long-term effects of spiritual well-being on caregiver health outcomes.
FAQ
What is caregiver burden (CGB)? Caregiver burden refers to the physical, emotional, and psychological stress experienced by individuals who provide care for someone with a chronic illness or disability.
How is spiritual well-being (SWB) defined? Spiritual well-being is often described as a sense of purpose and meaning in life, which may be derived from religious beliefs or personal philosophies about life.
What are some indicators of high caregiver burden? Indicators may include feelings of stress, exhaustion, anxiety, depression, and a sense of lack of control over the caregiving situation.
How can spiritual practices help caregivers? Spiritual practices such as prayer, meditation, and participation in religious or spiritual communities can provide emotional support, enhance coping skills, and foster a sense of connection and purpose.
What interventions can be implemented to support caregivers? Interventions can include spiritual care assessments, counseling, support groups, and resources that promote spiritual practices, as well as practical assistance in caregiving tasks.
References
- Vaishnav, R. B., Mishra, G., Sharma, Y., Ganjiwale, J. D., Kumar, D., & Bhatt, D. (2025). Exploring Influence of Spiritual Well-being on Caregiver Burden in Head-and-Neck Malignancy: A Cross-sectional Study. Indian Journal of Palliative Care. doi:10.25259/IJPC_271_2024
