Exploring the Role of Practical and Emotional Death Preparation in Reducing Emotional Distress Among Family Caregivers of Terminally Ill Cancer Patients: A Multicenter Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Family caregivers (FCs) often feel unprepared for the death of a terminally ill cancer patient and experience psychological distress. However, the link between FCs' distress and their preparedness during end-of-life care remains unclear. Methods: A multicenter survey across nine inpatient palliative care units included 171 FCs who completed a structured questionnaire. Multivariate logistic regression identified factors associated with anxiety and depression, including emotional and practical preparedness for death. Results: Many FCs reported high psychological distress during end-of-life care. Greater practical preparedness was linked to lower odds of severe anxiety (OR: 0.41, 95% CI: 0.27-0.63) and severe depression (OR: 0.51, 95% CI: 0.31-0.85). Although emotional preparedness correlated with distress, this association weakened after adjusting for confounders. Conclusions: FCs' anxiety and depressive symptoms underscore the need for healthcare professionals to provide practical support. Targeted interventions may improve FCs' preparedness and mitigate psychological distress.