Objectives: To explore whether caregiver characteristics were associated with cognitive complaints reported by women with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy.
Sample & setting: 61 dyads of women with breast cancer and their caregivers were recruited at Duke Women's Cancer Care Raleigh in North Carolina.
Methods & variables: An exploratory, cross-sectional design was used. Data were obtained on patients and caregivers. Patient cognitive complaints were represented by cognitive impairment (CI) and cognitive ability (CA).
Results: Two significant associations were found.
Implications for nursing: Healthcare providers should consider caregivers when assessing and managing patients' cognitive symptoms. This study suggests the value of including caregivers when establishing interventions for patients who have cognitive complaints.
Keywords: breast cancer; caregiver; cognitive ability; cognitive complaints; cognitive impairment.