Concordance of cancer related concerns among advanced cancer patient–spouse caregiver dyads

Abstract

Purpose/Objectives: To describe advanced cancer patient–spouse caregiver couples’ cancer-related concerns, determine dyadic concordance of concerns, and predict concordance based on demographic characteristics.

Design/Research Approach: Secondary analysis of cross-sectional self-report data.

Sample/Participants: 88 advanced cancer patients and spouse self-identified caregivers.

Methods/Methodological Approach: Participants individually completed questionnaires, including demographics and the Cancer Inventory of Problem Situations. Data are described and concordances were calculated using Kappa scores. Generalized Linear Modeling was used to predict concordances using demographic characteristics.

Findings: The top patient concern was lack of energy, while the top spouse caregiver concern was worry about cancer. Couples generally had low concordance about concerns. Demographic characteristics did not significantly predict concordance.

Conclusions/Interpretation: Low inter- and intra-dyadic congruence may suggest little communication within couples regarding cancer-related concerns.

Implications for Psychosocial Providers or Policy: Healthcare providers should reinforce the importance of communication among patients and spouse caregivers to improve concordance and potentially reduce conflict.

Keywords:

• cancer
• dyads
• caregivers
• communication
• concordance
• concerns

Disclosure statement

The authors have no disclosures.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the American Cancer Society under ACS MRSG 13-234-01-PCSM (PI: Reblin).