J Fam Nurs. 2021 May;27(2):114-123. doi: 10.1177/1074840721994332. Epub 2021 Mar 31.

Long-Term Effect of Receiving a Family Strengths-Oriented Intervention on Family Cancer Caregiver Stress, Anxiety, and Depression Symptoms: A Longitudinal Quasi-Experimental Study.

Journal of family nursing

Asta B Petursdottir, Mary Kay Rayens, Valgerdur Sigurdardottir, Erla Kolbrun Svavarsdottir

PMID: 33787415 DOI: 10.1177/1074840721994332

Abstract

The aim of this longitudinal study was to evaluate the long-term effects of providing a therapeutic conversation intervention, based on Family Systems Nursing, to family caregivers of a close relative with advanced cancer over the period before and during bereavement. To prevent adverse outcomes, caregivers need ongoing support that begins pre-loss and extends into the post-loss period. This study employed a one-group pre-test, post-test quasi-experimental design. Twenty-four caregivers participated in two intervention trials conducted over a 42-month period, receiving two intervention sessions pre-loss (Trial 1) and one intervention session post-loss (Trial 2). Significant decreases in anxiety and stress were noted over the three post-loss assessments. The final post-loss stress outcome was significantly lower than the first pre-loss score. For the depression score, there was not a significant change over time within the pre- or post-loss period. The findings provide evidence of decreasing anxiety and stress following the implementation of an extended family nursing intervention for bereaved family caregivers.

Keywords: Family Systems Nursing; advanced cancer; bereavement; family caregiver; longitudinal research; palliative care

MeSH terms

• Anxiety / prevention & control
• Caregivers*
• Depression
• Family
• Humans
• Longitudinal Studies
• Neoplasms*

Publication Types

• Journal Article
• Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't