Alcohol and drug use disorders in patients with cancer and caregivers: effects on caregiver burden

Abstract

Background: The estimated prevalence of alcohol use disorders in patients with advanced cancer is reported as 4%-38%. There are limited data regarding alcohol and drug use disorders in caregivers of patients with cancer and the effects on other issues.

Aim: To establish the prevalence of alcohol and drug use disorders in a large cohort of patients with advanced cancer and their caregivers.To evaluate the relationship between alcohol and drug use disorders and patient symptoms and caregiver burden.

Design: The patient with cancer and caregiver completed the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Tool, CAGE questionnaire and Drug Abuse Screening Test. The patient completed the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale-Short Form, and the caregiver completed the Zarit Burden Questionnaire.Statistical analysis compared cases and non-cases of alcohol and drug use disorders with symptom and burden score.

Setting/participants: Patients with cancer, and their caregivers, were recruited from 11 UK sites, 6 hospices and 5 hospitals.

Results: Five hundred and seven patients and their caregivers were recruited. Twenty-seven patients (5%) and 44 caregivers (9%) screened positively for alcohol use disorders on the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Tool. Thirty patients (6%), and 16 caregivers (3%), screened positively for drug abuse problems on the Drug Abuse Screening Test.There was a significantly higher carer burden score in caregivers screening positively for alcohol and drug abuse problems.

Conclusions: The prevalence of alcohol use disorders in patients with cancer and caregivers was lower than reported in previous studies. Caregiver burden scores were significantly higher in carers screening positively for alcohol and drug use disorders.

Trial registration number: Trial registered National Institute for Health Research Clinical Research Network Portfolio (CPMS ID 30723) IRAS ID 198753.

Keywords: cancer; chronic conditions; clinical assessment; communication; drug administration; ethics.