| Objective: The complex process of taking care of patients with
cancer can affect various aspects of the needs and health of
their family caregivers. The present study aims to determine
the unmet needs of the family caregivers of patients with
cancer and to compare it according to background variables.
Methods: The present descriptive study recruited 200 family
caregivers of patients with cancer visiting a referral hospital
in Iran. Sampling was carried out through the convenience
method. Data were collected using Shin’s comprehensive needs
assessment tool in seven domains (health and psychological
problems, family/social support, healthcare staff, information,
religious/spiritual support, hospital facilities/services, and
practical support). Results: The mean (±standard deviation) of
the total scores of the unmet needs of the family caregivers
was 81.73 (±16.82), with a possible range of 0–123. A significant
percentage of the family caregivers of patients with cancer
had unmet needs in all of the seven domains with different
severities. The mean scores were higher in the information,
healthcare staff (physicians and nurses), and health and
psychological problems domains as compared to the other
domains. Conclusions: The results showed that the majority of
the family caregivers of patients with cancer have many unmet
needs, which should be addressed by professional care providers
through the development of holistic care programs targeting
family caregivers by focusing on information needs and a proper
communication process. |