The experience of loneliness: Caregivers of cancer patients.

2014 Jan 1
01/01/2014
By Rokach, Ami, PhD; Miller, Yona, PhD; Schick, Sharon; Berkowitz, Michaela, MD.

Research suggests that caregivers to cancer patients may be particularly vulnerable to the experience of loneliness. The current study compared the loneliness experienced by those caring for hospitalized cancer patients who were receiving treatment, and caregivers of cancer patients in a hospice, on their death bed. Analyses revealed that there was no significant difference in the quality of loneliness experienced by caregivers of the two groups, but found a significant interaction effect with gender. Women attending to the ill scored higher on all subscales than men did, and those women attending to the ill patients scored higher than women attending to the dying on the growth and discovery, interpersonal isolation, and self-alienation subscales.

More publications on the subject

Feasibility study of a systematic approach for discontinuation of multiple medications in older adults: addressing polypharmacy
Background: Polypharmacy and inappropriate medication use is a problem in elderly patients, who are more likely to experience adverse effects from multiple treatments and less
The oncologist’s role in delivering palliative care
Abstract Given that such a substantial proportion of oncology patients have advanced and/or incurable cancer oncologists invariably face enormous challenges in maintaining or improving
The cultural context of patient’s autonomy and doctor’s duty: passive euthanasia and advance directives in Germany and Israel
01/11/2010
Abstract The moral discourse surrounding end-of-life (EoL) decisions is highly complex, and a comparison of Germany and Israel can highlight the impact of cultural
Selected issues in palliative care among East Jerusalem Arab residents
01/01/2010
Abstract Understanding of cultural context is important when working with Palestinian patients, particularly in Israeli hospitals. Cultural competence includes individual assessment of communication needs
End-of-life needs as perceived by terminally ill older adult patients, family and staff
01/09/2010
Abstract Purpose of the study: A comparison of inpatient end-of-life needs as perceived by terminally ill older adult patients, family, physicians and nurses, is lacking.
The cultural context of end-of-life ethics: a comparison of Germany and Israel
01/07/2010
No abstract available