Yessica C Martinez1, Lee Ellington2, Susan T Vadaparampil3, Richard E Heyman4, Maija Reblin3. 1. Department of Cancer Epidemiology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida, USA. 2. University of Utah College of Nursing, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA. 3. Department of Health Outcomes & Behavior, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida, USA. 4. Faculty of Health, New York University, New York, New York, USA.
Abstract
Purpose/ Objectives: To describe advanced cancer patient-spouse caregiver couples' cancer-related concerns, determine dyadic concordance of concerns, and predict concordance based on demographic characteristics.Design/Research Approach: Secondary analysis of cross-sectional self-report data.Sample/Participants: 88 advanced cancer patients and spouse self-identified caregivers.Methods/Methodological Approach: Participants individually completed questionnaires, including demographics and the Cancer Inventory of Problem Situations. Data are described and concordances were calculated using Kappa scores. Generalized Linear Modeling was used to predict concordances using demographic characteristics.Findings: The top patient concern was lack of energy, while the top spouse caregiver concern was worry about cancer. Couples generally had low concordance about concerns. Demographic characteristics did not significantly predict concordance.Conclusions/Interpretation: Low inter- and intra-dyadic congruence may suggest little communication within couples regarding cancer-related concerns.Implications for Psychosocial Providers or Policy: Healthcare providers should reinforce the importance of communication among patients and spouse caregivers to improve concordance and potentially reduce conflict.
Purpose/ Objectives: To describe advanced cancerpatient-spouse caregiver couples' cancer-related concerns, determine dyadic concordance of concerns, and predict concordance based on demographic characteristics.Design/Research Approach: Secondary analysis of cross-sectional self-report data.Sample/Participants: 88 advanced cancerpatients and spouse self-identified caregivers.Methods/Methodological Approach: Participants individually completed questionnaires, including demographics and the Cancer Inventory of Problem Situations. Data are described and concordances were calculated using Kappa scores. Generalized Linear Modeling was used to predict concordances using demographic characteristics.Findings: The top patient concern was lack of energy, while the top spouse caregiver concern was worry about cancer. Couples generally had low concordance about concerns. Demographic characteristics did not significantly predict concordance.Conclusions/Interpretation: Low inter- and intra-dyadic congruence may suggest little communication within couples regarding cancer-related concerns.Implications for Psychosocial Providers or Policy: Healthcare providers should reinforce the importance of communication among patients and spouse caregivers to improve concordance and potentially reduce conflict.
Authors: Tamryn F Gray; Deborah Forst; Ryan D Nipp; Joseph A Greer; Jennifer S Temel; Areej El-Jawahri Journal: J Palliat Med Date: 2020-09-30 Impact factor: 2.947