Women Caregivers of Persons with Brain Tumour: A Psychosocial Needs Assessment in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Bangalore

Abstract

The diagnosis of a brain tumour poses severe challenges to patients as well as their caregivers. As caregivers, women play an important role. However, most of the literature on brain tumours has failed to emphasise the invaluable services of women caregivers, and their psychosocial needs have been overlooked. The current study aims to highlight this neglected aspect. Thirty women caregivers were selected through purposive sampling and their needs were assessed using a semi-structured questionnaire under five heads such as, professional service needs, informational needs, psychological/emotional needs, personal and spiritual needs and social support needs. It was found that some of their needs were unmet, especially their psychological/emotional and informational needs. Thus, gender-specific interventions are recommended across neuro-oncological settings.