Influence of Coping, Esteem, and Resilience on Caregiver Distress in Pancreatic Cancer Patient–Caregiver Dyads

Background/Objectives: Through survey and analysis of pancreas cancer patient–caregiver dyads, we aimed to identify patient and caregiver characteristics that influence and determine the impact of caregiver coping strategies, self-esteem, and resilience on caregiver distress. Methods: This was a cross-sectional, observational study including pancreatic cancer patients and their caregivers. Demographics of patients and caregivers were collected. Caregivers completed validated instruments (National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Distress Thermometer, Caregiver Reaction Assessment (CRA), Perceived Stress Scale 4 (PSS-4), Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System-Anxiety/Depression Short Form (PROMIS-Anxiety/Depression), Brief Resilience Scale (BRS), Zarit Caregiver Burden Interview (CBI-12), and Brief Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced (COPE)) investigating anxiety, depression, perceived stress, caregiver burden, use of approach and avoidant coping, resilience, and self-esteem. Descriptive statistics, univariate, and multiple linear regression models were used to analyze the data. Results: One hundred and fourteen patient–caregiver dyads were included in this study. The majority of patients were male (55%), 65% of caregivers were female, and 64% of patients were receiving palliative intent treatment. Younger caregiver age, more personal care tasks, higher patient distress, and caregiving for a parent were characteristics related to caregiver avoidant coping. Fewer caregiving activities and early clinical stage were associated with caregiver approach coping. High caregivers’ self-esteem was significantly associated with fewer personal care tasks to perform and with caregivers of patients with higher levels of education. Avoidant coping and low resilience were both significantly correlated to distress, anxiety, depression, caregiver burden, and perceived stress. Additionally, low self-esteem was associated with a high perceived caregiver burden. Conclusions: Overall, caregiver factors such as age, relationship with the patient, and number of care tasks and activities influence caregivers coping and self-esteem. Additionally, patient education and clinical stage impacted caregiver coping and self-esteem. Developing interventions to address caregiver coping, self-esteem, and resilience will prove beneficial in improving caregiver distress, anxiety, depression, burden, and perceived stress.