Effectiveness of a Structured Nurse-Led Intervention Programme on Caregiving Preparedness, Burden, Psychological Distress, and Social Support among Family Caregivers of Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy: A Quasi-Experimental Study
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Abstract
Background: Cancer is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with chemotherapy representing a cornerstone of treatment. However, chemotherapy-associated side effects impose substantial caregiving demands on family members. Family caregivers frequently experience inadequate preparedness, elevated burden, psychological distress, and insufficient social support—yet structured caregiver-targeted interventions remain poorly integrated into routine oncology care, particularly in low- and middle-income countries such as India.
Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness of a structured, multi-component nurse-led intervention programme on caregiving preparedness, caregiver burden, need fulfilment, perceived social support, and psychological outcomes (depression, anxiety, and stress) among family caregivers of cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.
Methods: A quantitative quasi-experimental pre-test–post-test control group design was employed. A total of 594 family caregivers (experimental group: n = 296; control group: n = 298) were recruited via convenience sampling from oncology and chemotherapy units in selected hospitals in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India. The nurse-led intervention comprised six structured weeks of caregiver education, facilitated peer support group sessions, deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation training, and weekly telephonic follow-up. Outcomes were assessed using validated standardised instruments—the Preparedness for Caregiving Scale (PCS), Caregiver Reaction Assessment (CRA), Need Fulfilment Scale, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-21 (DASS-21). Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and independent samples t-tests via SPSS version 25.0.
Results: Groups were comparable at baseline (p > 0.05). Post-intervention, the experimental group demonstrated significantly greater caregiving preparedness (33.81 ± 5.96 vs. 29.87 ± 5.48; t = 8.21; p < 0.001), need fulfilment (34.12 ± 5.74 vs. 29.90 ± 5.32; t = 9.36; p < 0.001), and perceived social support (34.65 ± 6.02 vs. 29.92 ± 5.62; t = 10.02; p < 0.001), with significantly lower caregiver burden (23.41 ± 6.12 vs. 29.88 ± 5.01; t = 12.45; p < 0.001) and reduced depression, anxiety, and stress (all p < 0.001).
Conclusion: A structured nurse-led intervention programme significantly improved caregiver preparedness, need fulfilment, and social support while reducing burden and psychological distress. Systematic integration of such programmes into oncology nursing practice is warranted to optimise caregiver and patient outcomes.
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