To evaluate the reliability, validity and applicability of the family caregiver burden scale (CBS-CP) for cancer patients.

The family caregivers of patients with digestive system cancer were selected as the research subjects. The reliability was evaluated by applying the Cronbach alpha coefficient and the half confidence level. The validity was evaluated by using criterion related validity. Applicability evaluation included: to analyze the burden level of family caregivers of patients with digestive system cancer; and to explore the influencing factors of caregiver burden.

Except for factor 5, the Cronbach's alpha coefficient and the half coefficient level of the total CBS-CP and the other 4 factors were all higher than 0.75. The total scores and factors of CBS-CP were positively correlated with depression and anxiety (all P<0.01, r=0.296-0.505), and negatively correlated with the quality of life [except for the relationship between factor 5 and physical component summary score (P< 0.05), the remaining Ps<0.01, r=0.126-0.370]. The total caregiver burden score ranged from 0 to 109, with an average of 46.03±22.96; multiple regression analysis showed that the possible predictor variables of the total caregiver burden included: anxiety/depression, the disturbed life of family caregivers, quality of life, family economic pressure, spouse caregivers and caregivers’ health status.

The findings showed that both the reliability and validity of the CBS-CP were good. The burden of family caregivers in patients with digestive system cancer is generally at a mild level, and the factors affecting thecaregiver burden included physical, psychological, social and economic aspects. It was proposed that the influencing factors of caregiver burden should be explored through the dyadic level of caregivers and patients in future research, so as to provide scientific basis for the development of relevant interventions.

Digestive system cancer; Family caregivers; Caregiver burden; Influencing factors