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A study published in Scientific Reports reveals a significant prevalence of mental health concerns among Vietnamese family caregivers of lung cancer patients, highlighting the urgent need for targeted support.
Led by PhD candidate Thinh Toan Vu and his doctoral committee—Dr. Victoria Ngo (Chair), Dr. Glen Johnson, and Dr. Sasha Fleary—the research found that 37% of caregivers screened positive for mental health concerns. Female caregivers were 79% more likely to experience depression than males. Furthermore, a higher caregiving burden strongly predicted both mild-to-severe depression and anxiety, while a better quality of life and stronger social support from friends were associated with lower probabilities of these conditions. Interestingly, greater caregiving preparedness—often assumed to be beneficial—was linked to higher depression.
“In many Asian cultures, particularly within collectivist societies like Vietnam, caregiving is seen as a familial duty, making it difficult for caregivers to express distress or seek help,” says Vu. “This is exacerbated in low- and middle-income countries where healthcare resources are limited. We need culturally sensitive support systems, and healthcare systems must recognize caregiver support as essential—not only for caregiver well-being but also for better patient outcomes and reduced healthcare burdens.”
The study calls for integrating mental health support into standard cancer care, including routine mental health screenings, accessible counseling and pyschoeducation services, and caregiver support groups. Additionally, programs to alleviate caregiving burden, such as in-home nursing, respite care, and hospital policy modifications to provide caregiver training and financial assistance, are crucial. Addressing these needs can improve both caregiver well-being and the overall quality of cancer care.
Beyond Vietnam, the study’s implications extend to other collectivist cultures in low- and middle-income countries, where family caregivers play a crucial role in patient care but often lack formal support systems. The reliance on family members, coupled with limited mental health resources, creates a significant burden that remains largely unaddressed.
Prior to this, Vu presented the findings at the American Public Health Association Annual Meeting & Expo 2024. This study is supported by the Cancer Epidemiology Education in Special Populations (R25CA112383), Weill Cornell Medicine Career Advancement for Research in Health Equity (CARE T37) program (1T37MD014220), Point Foundation’s BIPOC Scholar Awards, Professional Growth Award from the Graduate Student Government Association and the CUNY SPH Dean’s Dissertation Award.
