On the problem of medical and social assistance to relatives of patients with oncological diseases

BACKGROUND: The problem of adequate medical and social care for oncological diseases is relevant not only because of the high mortality rate from them, but also due to the fact that with these diseases, which require complex, sometimes aggressive treatment, often with initially unfavorable prognoses, relatives who experience psycho-emotional, sometimes physical and financial problems are involved in the problem of assistance and care, which makes them potential and real subjects of various types of assistance.

AIM: development of proposals for the prevention of health problems in family members of patients with oncological diseases.

METHODS: The object of the study was 300 relatives of patients receiving specialized care for oncological diseases. The research method was a questionnaire survey using a specially developed questionnaire. Inclusion criteria: voluntary consent to conduct the study. Statistical analysis was performed using applied programs in Microsoft Office Excel.10.

RESULTS: All respondents indicated that they feel stress due to a relative’s cancer, including 161 (53.6%) experiencing it constantly, 43 (14.3%) — several times a week, 96 (32.1%) — less often. Every fourth (75; 25.0%) respondent felt tired and exhausted constantly, 54 (17.9%) — several times a week, and a feeling of helplessness or despair in connection with the condition of a sick relative — 96 (32.1%) and 54 (17.9%), respectively. 139 (46.4%) of participants in the sociological survey constantly experience anxiety and worry in connection with the health of a relative, 86 (28.6%) experience them often. Every fourth (75) respondent noted irritability, 11 (3.6%) — depression. Emotional problems were noted to a greater extent among women. Only half of the respondents noted a high level of support from loved ones. Half of the respondents indicated significant financial difficulties. 118 (39.3%) of respondents were currently satisfied with their lives (115; 38.3% were partially satisfied; 67 (22.4%) were dissatisfied with their lives)). 107 (35.7%) of respondents considered medical and social assistance to be fully accessible to cancer patients, and 139 (46.4%) considered medical and informational support to be available. Most often, respondents noted the need for psychological support (214; 71.4 per 100 respondents).

CONCLUSION: Expanding the possibilities of providing palliative and social care for oncological diseases (especially in rural areas and remote regions) is an important area of prevention and rehabilitation for relatives of patients.