G-4021

Preparedness of Caregiving and the associated factors in family of patients with Thyroid Cancer undergoing Radioactive Iodine Therapy: A cross-sectional study

 Amir Hossein Jalilvand ¹ ℗, Hamed Dashti ¹, Mohsen Golgun ¹, Leila Sayadi ² ©   

 
Abstract

Introduction: The thyroid cancer (TC) is the 10th most common cancer worldwide, characterized by predominance of differentiated carcinomas and demonstrating an escalating incidence within Iranian population (The Age-Standardized incidence Rate = 6.17 [95% CI: 6.09–6.25] per 100,000 person-years). Radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy is a critical adjuvant modality for differentiated TC. The preparedness of family members, as primary informal caregivers, is crucial for patient safety and minimizing burden. However, evidence regarding caregiver preparedness levels and the factors influencing them, particularly within the Iranian healthcare context, is limited. This study aimed to evaluate the preparedness of family members in caring for patients with TC undergoing RAI therapy and to identify the factors affecting their preparedness. Methods and Materials: A descriptive-analytical, cross-sectional study was conducted at the Shariati Hospital, Tehran, Iran, in 2023. According to inclusion criteria, a convenience sample of 138 family members, identified as primary caregivers for patients receiving RAI therapy, was recruited. Caregivers with acute psychiatric disorders, patients with co-morbidities affecting decision-making, or non-consent were excluded. Data were collected using a validated questionnaire assessing caregiver and patient demographics, clinical information, and caregiver preparedness using the Preparedness for Caregiving Scale (PCS). Caregiver distress was also measured using self-reported 10-point numerical rating scale. Statistical analyses, including descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and General Linear Model (GLM) for multiple regression, were performed using SPSS software version 27. Results: The mean age of caregivers was 42.1 ± 11.41 years, with the majority being male (82%). The overall mean PCS score (24.89 ± 4.63) indicated a moderate-high level of preparedness. Correlation analysis also showed a significant negative correlation between caregiver preparedness and caregiver distress (r= -0.313, p0.001), caregiver education level (r = -0.1963, p = 0.021) and radioiodine dose (r = -0.1841, p = 0.0306). Moreover, the GLM analysis identified caregiver distress score as a significant negative predictor of preparedness (β = -0.4925, p = 0.0001), indicating that higher distress was associated with lower preparedness. Conversely, caregivers who had quit their job to provide care reported significantly higher preparedness (β = 3.0405, p = 0.0472). Other factors like caregiver age and patient age did not show a significant association with preparedness in the GLM. Conclusion and Discussion: Results demonstrated moderate-high levels of preparedness, which is significantly impacted by their psychological distress and employment status changes related to caregiving. The findings highlight the urgent need for oncology nurses to implement targeted interventions, including psychosocial support to reduce caregiver distress and tailored educational programs focusing on practical skills, safety measures, and employment adaptation. Addressing these factors can enhance caregiver readiness and patient outcomes.

Keywords: “Thyroid Cancer”, “Radioactive Iodine Therapy”, “Family Caregivers”, “Preparedness”, “Caregiver Distress”