Factors that influence family members’ knowledge about palliative care in cancer patients

Abstract

Introduction: Cancer is a chronic disease that has the second leading cause of death in the world, with more than nine million deaths attributed to the year, with a higher incidence in the lower social strata. Objective: To determine the factors that influence family members’ knowledge about palliative care in cancer patients of the Dr. Abel Gilbert Pontón Hospital, during January to June 2019. Methodology: Quantitative, field, descriptive, non-experimental or observational approach; A survey with 15 items was used, applied to 20 family-companions of the patients who attend the oncological services of this institution. Results: A high percentage was observed that caregivers do not know about the specific care of patients, evidencing that 80% have insufficient information about palliative care. In addition to presenting affectations and exhaustion due to patient care, since in the majority of cases, a singlefamily member takes care of the minimum attention required. Conclusion: It was possible to verify that the lack of knowledge about cancer disease and its care directly affect the health of cancer patients and the family economy.