In India, research on caregiver burden remains limited. This study will explore caregiver burden, quality of life, and its relationship with distress, depression, anxiety, and stress among cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

The study aims to find the Caregiver Burden (CB), and Caregiver Quality of Life (CQoL) of the informal caregivers and its relationship with distress, depression, and anxiety among cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy in the hospital. The primary objective of the study is to find the CB, and CQoL of the informal caregivers of the cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy in the hospital. The study sample will consist of atleast 94 caregivers and their 94 patients who are undergoing chemotherapy at Malabar Cancer Centre between the age of 18 and 70.

The inclusion criteria for patients are individuals diagnosed with malignancy for at least one month, undergoing chemotherapy at Malabar Cancer Centre, aware of their diagnosis and treatment, able to read and understand Malayalam or English, undergoing curative or first-line palliative treatment, and accompanied by an informal caregiver during chemotherapy. For caregivers, the inclusion criteria are awareness of the patient’s diagnosis and treatment, proficiency in Malayalam or English, and providing support for at least one month. The exclusion criteria for both patients and caregivers include any known psychiatric or psychological conditions, neurological disorders, brain tumors, sensory impairments, physical or intellectual disabilities, or a recent history of alcohol or tobacco use. Additionally, patients with relapse, recurrence, or a second primary are excluded.

Data will be analyzed using SPSS version 29, with descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages, mean, median, SD, range), t-tests, ANOVA, correlation, and Chi-square tests to assess relationships and associations between variables. If applicable, logistic regression will be used to estimate the impact of caregiver burden on the patient’s psychological outcomes.