Types of Support Among Informal Caregivers of Cancer Patients to Cancer Patients: A Case Study at the Tunku Laksamana Johor Cancer Foundation (YKTLJ)/ Bentuk Sokongan Penjaga Tidak Formal Pesakit Kanser kepada Pesakit Kanser: Kajian Kes Di Yayasan Kanser Tunku Laksamana Johor (YKTLJ)
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.11113/sh.v18n3.2313Keywords:
Informal caregivers, types of support, cancer patients, caregiving needsAbstract
Informal caregivers of cancer patients play a critical role in supporting the patients’ daily needs, yet they often face significant physical, emotional, and social pressures. Maslow's Theory of Needs is applied to evaluate the fulfillment of informal caregivers' basic needs, while Caregiving Dynamics Theory is used to examine the balance between caregiving responsibilities and their personal needsThis qualitative study aims to explore the forms of support received and required by informal caregivers of cancer patients registered with the Tunku Laksamana Johor Cancer Foundation (YKTLJ). A total of seven caregivers were selected through purposive sampling, and data were collected using semi-structured interviews before being analysed through thematic analysis. The findings identify four main themes of support needed by caregivers, namely emotional and psychological support, family and social support, community and peer support, as well as knowledge-based support. The study shows that emotional pressure and psychological burden are the most dominant challenges, while family support is the most crucial element in ensuring effective caregiving. Community and peer support help caregivers reduce feelings of isolation and enhance their coping abilities when dealing with daily challenges. Access to knowledge and caregiving information significantly influences caregivers’ confidence and ability to manage the cancer patient. This study concludes that a comprehensive and well-structured support system is essential to strengthen the well-being of informal caregivers, thereby improving the quality of care provided to cancer patients. The study recommends that health agencies, NGOs, and community organisations collaborate to develop more accessible and holistic training, counselling, and social support programmes.
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