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Gender differences in cancer spousal caregiving: A systematic review

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  19 June 2023

Janet H.Y. Ng ,
Bronya H.K. Luk Open the ORCID record for Bronya H.K. Luk [Opens in a new window]  and
Natalie P.M. Lee
Janet H.Y. Ng
Affiliation:
Department of Chinese and Bilingual Studies, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
Bronya H.K. Luk*
Affiliation:
School of Nursing and Health Studies, Hong Kong Metropolitan University, Homantin, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
Natalie P.M. Lee
Affiliation:
School of Nursing and Health Studies, Hong Kong Metropolitan University, Homantin, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
*
Corresponding author: Bronya H.K. Luk; Email: bluk@hkmu.edu.hk
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Abstract

Objectives

Cancer does affect not only the lives of the patients but also that of their spouses. The aims of this systematic review are to (i) explore the gender differences in the impact of caregiving for cancer on spousal caregivers, (ii) facilitate the conceptual understanding of gender differences in caregiving, and (iii) identify directions for future research and clinical practice targeting spousal caregivers.

Methods

A comprehensive search was conducted of the electronic databases of MEDLINE, PsycINFO, EBSCO, and CINAHL Plus for papers published in English between 2000 and 2022. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were used to identify, select, appraise, and synthesize the studies.

Results

A total of 20 studies from seven countries were reviewed. Findings of the studies were presented using the biopsychosocial model. Spousal caregivers of cancer patients suffered from physical, psychological, and socioeconomic morbidities, with female spousal caregivers reporting a higher level of distress. The gendered positioning of spousal caregivers in the societal context had further brought about over-responsibility and self-sacrifice among women.

Significance of results

The gendered positions of cancer spousal caregivers further illustrated the gender differences in the caregiving experiences and consequences. Health-care professionals in routine clinical practice should be proactive in identifying physical, mental, and social morbidities among cancer spousal caregivers, particularly female ones, and providing timely interventions. Health-care professionals should recognize the pressing need for empirical research, political engagement, and action plans to address the health status and health-related behaviors of patients’ spouses along the cancer trajectory.

Keywords

Spousal care giversGender differencesCancerBiopsychosocialGendered position
Type
Review Article
Information
Palliative & Supportive Care , Volume 21 , Issue 5 , October 2023 , pp. 880 - 889
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Copyright
© The Author(s), 2023. Published by Cambridge University Press.

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