Factors which influence social connection among cancer caregivers: an exploratory, interview study

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Social connectedness is increasingly recognised as influencing health outcomes in cancer caregivers; however, there is little understanding of factors which foster feelings of social connectedness among caregivers when providing care. We sought to examine from the caregivers' perspective, factors which contribute to perceived social connection when providing care to someone with cancer. 

METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 caregivers of people with cancer. Participants were recruited through social media and were eligible if they were aged 18 + years and had provided care to someone with cancer in the preceding 3 years. Data were analysed thematically using NVivo. 

RESULTS: Following thematic analysis of interview data, six overarching themes emerged detailing caregivers' experiences with social support, networks, and connectedness. Themes included: people in caregivers' social networks and communication frequency, supportive communication with people in social networks, challenges with talking with others and seeking support, receiving instrumental support from social networks, impact of the carer role on friendships and community activities, and factors which fostered perceived connectedness. 

CONCLUSIONS: For caregivers of people with cancer, our qualitative findings suggest the importance of receiving emotional and instrumental support from social networks to cope with, and alleviate the stress and strain of providing care. Development and empirical testing of strategies and interventions that improve social support seeking and subsequently perceived connectedness among caregivers are recommended to improve health and wellbeing.