1Student, M.Sc. Clinical Psychology, Dept. of Psychology, The Apollo University
2Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, The Apollo University
*Corresponding Author Email: Paipurusudha@gmail.com
Received: 29th Dec, 2025; Revised: 18th Feb 2026; Accepted: 28th Feb, 2026; Available Online: 30th March, 2026
Background: Cancer is one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide and is associated with significant psychological distress not only for patients but also for their caregivers. Caregivers play an important role in providing emotional, physical, and social support to cancer patients, but the burden of caregiving may negatively affect their mental health and quality of life (QOL). The present study aimed to examine the levels of depression, anxiety, and stress among caregivers of cancer patients and to analyse their relationship with caregivers' quality of life. The study also explored the influence of gender, duration of diagnosis, and caregiver–patient relationship on quality of life. The study used a descriptive correlational design with purposive sampling. A total of 30 caregivers aged between 22 and 76 years participated in the study. Data were collected using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21) and the Caregiver Quality of Life Index-Cancer (CQOLC). Pearson product–moment correlation and independent sample t-tests were used for statistical analysis. Results revealed significant negative correlations between depression and quality of life, indicating that higher levels of depression were associated with poorer quality of life. Anxiety and stress also showed negative correlations with quality of life, although these were not statistically significant. No significant differences were found based on gender, duration of diagnosis, or relationship with the patient. The findings highlight the importance of psychological support for caregivers of cancer patients and emphasize the need for interventions aimed at improving caregivers' mental health and overall quality of life.
Keywords: Cancer, caregivers, depression, anxiety, stress, quality of life
How to cite this article: Khanduri N, Paipuru S, Vijay M, Subramanyam V. Depression, Anxiety and Stress in Relation to Quality of Life Among the Caregivers of Cancer Patients. Int J Drug Deliv Technol. 2026;16(3): 637. DOI: 10.25258/ijddt.16.3.70
Source of support: Nil.
Conflict of interest: None