This study aimed to investigate the preparedness of individuals providing care for cancer patients.
METHODS
This cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out with 203 Turkish cancer family caregivers in January-
March 2019. The person who spent the longest time with the patient was chosen as the caregiver.
The data were collected through face-to-face interviews with the "Caregiver Introductory Form" and
"Preparedness Scale of the Family Care Inventory". The scale consisted of eight items, the total score
range is 0-32. Higher scores indicate that the caregiver feels more prepared for their role. Data were
evaluated by independent groups t-test and one-way analysis of variance test.
RESULTS
The average age of caregivers was 46.86±13.8; most of them were female (64.5%). Caregivers" mean score
of preparedness to provide care was 27.03±6.05. Caregivers" with moderate economic status were more
ready to provide care than those with poor economic status (p<0.05). Caregivers who provided care for
their patients for less than a year were more ready to provide care compared to those who cared for the
patients for one to five years. Likewise, those who provided care for the patients for six to ten years were
more ready to provide care than those who provided care for one to five years (p<0.05).
CONCLUSION
Caregivers with a modest economic status, those with less than one year of caregiving experience, and
those with over five years of caregiving experience feel more ready to provide care.