Dynamics in cancer caregiver's health over time: Gender-specific patterns and determinants

This study examined patterns and determinants of three dimensions of caregi ver's health of newly diagnosed colorectal cancer patients, i.e. physical, mental and social functioning (N = 148). Physical functioning declined with in a 6-month period in female caregivers, while no change was observed in m ale caregivers. For mental and social functioning, an improvement was obser ved in male and female caregivers. Change in physical functioning was assoc iated with gender, age, income and initial level. Change in mental function ing was predicted by initial status and positive as well as negative caregi ver experiences, Change in social functioning was mainly predicted by initi al level and change in patient's dependency. Physical and mental functionin g showed the least favorable patterns in female caregivers. The study shows that caregiving may lead to positive health consequences, and underlines t he importance of making a distinction between male and female caregivers an d of studying caregiver outcomes by using multidimensional assessments.