Objective:
To evaluate the caregivers’ self-esteem of cancer patients with reduced functional capacity.
Methods:
This is a cross sectional study, conducted in a large oncology public hospital. We used a convenience sample consisted of 90 primary caregivers of cancer patients with functional capacity (Karnofsky) between 20 and 50. We collected data about demographic characteristics, the responsibility involved in the care and self-esteem was assessed by the Scale to Measure the Feeling of Self-Esteem of Dela Coleta. Data were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney test and Kruskal-Wallis test, with 5% significance level.
Results:
The majority of caregivers was women, with a partner, low income and maintained family relationships with the patient and had an average self-esteem. Self-esteem was significantly associated to family income (p = 0.002).
Conclusion:
The self-esteem of caregivers of cancer patients is influenced by the conditions of life, especially financial.
Caregivers; Neoplasms; Self-concept; Oncology nursing