Caregivers’ knowledge of palliative care for cancer patients at Bhaktapur Cancer Hospital in Nepal

Abstract

Cancer is a major global public health problem and a leading cause of mortality. According to the GLOBOCAN estimates, Nepal recorded 22,008 new cancer cases, 14,704 cancer deaths, and 44,803 five-year prevalent cancer cases. Despite various public health initiatives, palliative care services in low-income countries remain inadequate. Knowledge of palliative care among family members caring for cancer patients is often insufficient. The demand for palliative care in Nepal has increased to provide essential care and support to cancer patients. This article aims to assess the level of knowledge among family caregivers regarding palliative care for cancer patients at Bhaktapur Cancer Hospital, Nepal. An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among 251 family caregivers. Data were collected using a structured quantitative survey questionnaire, which included the validated Palliative Care Knowledge Scale. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed. Only 26.0% of the family caregivers had adequate knowledge about palliative care. Around 14.3% of the family caregivers had been informed about palliative care, mostly by health workers (86.1%). The mass media and social networking sites did not have an important role in providing information about palliative care. Family caregivers with secondary and higher secondary education, as well as those who had received information on palliative care, were more likely to have adequate knowledge. Public awareness campaigns, community dialogue, and media-based health promotion strategies may help improve family caregivers’ knowledge.

Keywords

Cancer / Caregivers / Knowledge / Non-communicable diseases / Palliative care / Nepal

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