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Why are their Needs neglected? Sources of Stress for Caregivers of Colorectal Cancer Survivors, their Stress Reactions and the Coping Strategies they employed

Augustus Nyakundi, Joyce Makumi

Incidences of cancer prevalence are on the rise in Kenya. Studies have shown that as a result of cancer diagnosis, treatment and management experiences, cancer patients and caregivers endure significant levels of stress. Whereas healthcare personnel focus their attention on reducing the physical and emotional pain the cancer patient is exposed to, often the caregivers’ needs are neglected. Yet, the caregiver is a valuable partner in determining the treatment and management outcomes of the cancer patient as well as increasing knowledge about cancer prevention, treatment and management among the general population. This study sought to establish the sources of stress among caregivers of colorectal cancer patients in a hospital in Nairobi and the coping strategies they commonly used to overcome the stress. It was found that the majority of the caregivers of colorectal cancer patients were spouses. Besides the sources of stress identified in various studies, others included lack of information about a patient’s diagnosis, exclusion from decision-making on treatment, the high cost of colorectal cancer treatment, stigma, exhaustion and burnout. Their stress reactions included irritability and anger. Among the coping strategies the caregivers used included avoidance of events and thoughts associated with the cancer diagnosis, pain and treatment; and getting information and support from family members, friends, support group members and the Internet. It was found that there was no formal framework for healthcare professionals engaging caregivers. The most alienated caregivers were those not proficient in English. Since these were also likely to have limited sources of information, their levels of stress were likely to be higher than those who were proficient in English.