Patient Educ Couns. 2025 Nov 23;143:109431. doi: 10.1016/j.pec.2025.109431. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: The growing prevalence of cancer and of the responsibilities of primary informal caregivers calls for exploring the burden of caregivers. Communication with providers has become a major responsibility of caregivers increasing their burden. Despite the harmful consequences of caregiver burden (CB), little is known regarding mitigators of CB. The perceived high quality of communication with providers may be a mitigator of CB which is yet to be tested. Therefore, this study tests the association of episodic listening behaviors of providers and CB among caregivers of cancer patients. We hypothesize that constructive listening behaviors of nurses will shape the extent of CB.
METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, hospitalized oncology patients gave their consent to approach their informal primary caregivers and requested their consent to participate by completing anonymous questionnaires. Study variables included the Zarit Burden Interview and the abbreviated Constructive and Destructive Listening questionnaires. Statistical analyses used Pearson correlations and multivariable linear regression.
RESULTS: The sample comprised 80 primary caregivers of cancer patients. 65 % were women, 65 % were religious, and the average age was 51 years. Mean CB was 27.21 (SD-16.39). CB was positively associated with destructive listening (r = 0.400, p = 0.000) and negatively associated with constructive listening (r = -0.223, p = 0.000). Multivariable linear regression identified destructive listening as a significant antecedent (β = 0.265; t = 2.007; p = 0.049), explaining 14.7 % of the variance in CB (R2 = 0.0192; MS = 568.147; df = 6; F = 2.7; p = < 0.002).
CONCLUSIONS: Although episodic listening is a key component of nursing ethics and fundamental to relationships with patients, caregivers of cancer patients may be ignored. To reduce CB, nurses should eradicate destructive listening and promote constructive listening forging higher quality communication with patients. Insights may guide future research and paths to reduce CB.
PMID:41308256 | DOI:10.1016/j.pec.2025.109431
