Caregiver burden in owners of dogs and cats undergoing anticancer therapy in a referral hospital in Hong Kong.

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To assess the prevalence and factors associated with increased caregiver burden among owners of dogs and cats undergoing anti-cancer therapy in Hong Kong. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Clients of the oncology service of a large veterinary hospital in Hong Kong completed an online survey during real-time consultations. Caregiver burden was based on an adapted and abbreviated Zarit Burden Interview score (seven questions; up to 28 points with cut-off of &#x2265;9 points for increased burden). Client and patient demographics, along with oncological treatment data, were collected. Data were analysed using the chi-square (&#x3c7;) test and odds ratios, with P&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.05 considered significant. RESULTS: Of the 54 responses, 70.4% of caregivers reported increased burden. Caregivers not working in the human medical field experienced an increased burden compared to those working in the field (P&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.03, &#x3c7;&#x2009;=&#x2009;4.26, odds ratio&#x2009;=&#x2009;7.54). Increased burden was associated with caregivers' concerns about the cost of treatment (P&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.01, &#x3c7;&#x2009;=&#x2009;11.96, odds ratio&#x2009;=&#x2009;2.30) and its potential side effects (P&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.03, &#x3c7;&#x2009;=&#x2009;10.27, odds ratio&#x2009;=&#x2009;12.24). Caregivers reported an increased burden with prolonged treatment durations (P&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.01, &#x3c7;&#x2009;=&#x2009;14.17, odds ratio&#x2009;=&#x2009;2.39). The burden level was not significantly different between cat and dog caregivers (P&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.27). CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Caregiver burden is observed in owners of dogs and cats undergoing anticancer therapy affecting their psychosocial well-being. Recognising factors associated with increased burden enables veterinarians to provide better support to caregivers and improve veterinarian-client relationships.