말기암환자 가족원의 부담감과 삶의 질과의 관계

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to identify the relationship between burden and quality of life among family members of terminal cancer patients. For this study, 80 family members of terminal cancer patient, who currently hospitalized or regularly attended outpatient clinic from 3 hospitals in N city. Data were collected for 61 days, from August 1. 2006 to September 30. 2006 and analysed with a descriptive statistical method, ANOVA, t-test, scheffe test, and Pearson's correlation by SPSS. The results of the study are summarized as follows: 1. The mean burden of the families was 115.24 and the mean of their living quality was 67.16. 2. For the burden according to general characteristics, a statistically significant difference was found in age(F=8.70, p=.000), marriage(t=11.55, p= .001), relations with patients(F=18.704, p=.000), living together with patients (t=13.228, p=.000) and medical expense burden(F=4.168, p=.019). 3. For the living quality according to general characteristics of family members, there was a statistically significant difference was found in age(F=3.831, p=.007), marriage(t=8.632, p=.004), educational background(F=5.754, p=.001), relations with patients(F=10.467, p=.000), and living together with patients (t=5.352, p=.023). 4. As a result of analysing the relations between burden of family members and living quality, negative correlations (r=-.538, p=.000) was found and the hypothesis that the lower burden, the higher living quality was supported. This study suggests that more attentions should be given on their family members as well as on patients of terminal cancer and intervention programs such as support programs which can help decrease burden of family members to enhance their living quality should be developed.