A study to assess the stressors faced by the care givers of patients suffering from oral cancer and their coping strategies at radiation oncology, SVIMS Hospital, Tirupati

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to assess the stressors and coping strategies, and to find out the association between stressors and coping strategies. Methods: The research approach was Quantitative approach and the research design was Descriptive cross sectional design which involves the assessment of stress and coping strategies at a single point of time among the caregivers of oral cancer patients, Non-probability convenience sampling technique was used which included 100 caregivers of oral cancer patients. Kingston caregiver stress scale [KCSS] and, Brief COPE inventory scale were used to assess stress and coping strategies. Results: The findings of study revealed that Majority 52[52%] of caregivers had moderate stress, 25[25%] had some stress, only 23[23%] had a lot of stress, and 42[42%] are using coping strategies a little bit. 33[33%] were using in medium amount, 13 [13%] were not using coping strategy, 12[12%] were using a lot. Conclusion: Major stressor 60[60%] was financial difficulties associated with care giving and Majority of caregivers were using positive coping strategies. Therefore, it is important to support the positive coping strategies and intervene in order to change the negative coping strategies.