Analysis of the care needs of family caregivers of patients with bladder cancer undergoing urostomy: a cross-sectional study

In this study, we analyzed the current situation and influencing factors of the care needs of family caregivers of patients with bladder cancer undergoing urostomy and provided an evidence-based framework for the formulation of intervention programs. Family caregivers of patients with bladder cancer undergoing urostomy were investigated from January 2018 to June 2023 in seven third-class first-class hospitals using the Care Demands Scale developed by our group. In this study, the care needs of family caregivers were evaluated on the day before discharge, 1 month, 3 months and 6 months after discharge.To analyze the data, a t-test or F-test, one-way ANOVA, a stochastic forest model, one-way analysis, and multifactor linear regression were used. The top five needs were: mastering urostomy home care skills (e.g., bag/catheter change); receiving timely post-discharge professional guidance; learning peristomal skin assessment; improving sleep quality; and alleviating negative emotions. Univariate and multivariate analyses identified gender, residence, anxiety, depression, number of co-caregivers, education level, employment status, caregiver type, age, and marital status as key factors influencing care needs (P < 0.05). The care needs of family caregivers of patients with bladder cancer undergoing urostomy were extremely significant. The types of family caregivers, along with gender, age, length of care, working status and income, education level, and marital status, were the key factors affecting the care needs of family caregivers of ostomy patients. The above factors suggested that it is very important to formulate personalized intervention programs for family caregivers of patients with bladder cancer undergoing urostomy.