Evaluation of the fear of Covid-19 and well-being of patients with cancer and caregivers

ABSTRACT Purpose: The effects of Covid-19 pandemic on physical health are the focus of attention around the world but the effects on psychological health shouldn’t be ignored. It’s known that patients with cancer are concerned due to being more susceptible to infections. The difficulties experienced by patients and caregivers during the pandemic put also their well-being at risk. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the impacts of Covid-19 pandemic on fear and well-being of patients with cancer and caregivers. Methods: This descriptive study was carried out with 136 cancer patients and 142 caregivers at three university hospitals. Participant Information Form, the Fear of Covid-19 Scale and the Flourishing Scale were used for data collection. Results: The mean score of the Fear of Covid-19 Scale of patients and caregivers were 19.6 ± 6.6, and 20.8 ± 6.9 respectively. The mean score of the Flourishing Scale were 42.1 ± 9.9 and 42.1 ± 9.5 respectively. It was determined that caregivers who are female and have lower income had higher fear of Covid-19. The well-being of patients with cancer who were single, had higher income, and had higher education level were higher. The well-being of caregivers who were unemployed was lower. Conclusions: The psychosocial support given to patients and caregivers, whose importance has increased in the pandemic, shouldn’t be considered separately from medical treatment. In particular, the support given to people who are more affected by the negative consequences of the pandemic should be increased.