Sleep disturbances and related factors among family caregivers of patients with advanced cancer

Abstract

Objective: Sleep disturbances among family caregivers (FCs) are common in advanced cancer. The comprehensive factors for sleep disturbances among the FCs of patients with cancer have not been investigated in Taiwan. The purposes of this study were to investigate the sleep disturbances among the FCs of patients with advanced cancer and to determine predictors of sleep disturbance.

Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted among 172 FCs. Data were collected using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and wrist actigraphy. A linear regression model was used to identify the predictive factors for sleep quality.

Results: Seventy-six percent of the FCs experienced some sleep disturbances. Female gender, more fatigue, greater depression, more caregiving burden, and spending over 16 h per day on caregiving tasks were risk factors for sleep disturbances in caregivers.

Conclusions: Sleep disturbances were common among the Taiwanese FCs of patients with advanced cancer. FCs with risk factors for sleep disturbances should be identified and provided assistance.