Influence of social support, depression, and self-esteem on burden of care among caregivers of oncology patients.

This study investigated the influence of social support, depression and self esteem on the burden of care among informal caregivers of oncology patients. The cross-sectional correlational study included 278 informal oncology caregivers. Results showed a significant main effect of self-esteem (F(1277) = 5.35, p < .05), and interaction effect of social support and depression (F(1277) = 4.86; p < 05) on caregivers' burden. Caregivers with high levels of depression (t = 4.06, df = 282, p < .001), and others with high levels of social support (t = 4.06, df = 282, p < .001) recorded significantly higher levels of caregivers' burden. This suggests the need for improving the psychological well-being of informal caregivers of oncology patients in the expanding role of family and community members in caring for cancer patients.