Factors Influencing Aspects of Quality of Life (QoL) in Young Carers: A Translational Review of Literature Giving Specific Consideration to Young Cancer Caregivers and Education
ResearchBackground: Cancer caregivers and other carers are a niche community,
particularly within education. Research has identified that quality of life may
be negatively affected in carers, including mental health problems, as well as
educational and employment issues, all of which are the focus of this review. Methods: Literature was identified for inclusion in the review by utilising relevant
search engines, Boolean searches, and filters. Results: Findings
indicate that there is a prevalence of mental health issues in carers to
include cancer caregivers and that educational attainment is reduced when
compared to non-caring peers. Carers also experience employment difficulties
which may be attributed, in part, to reduced educational attainment. Conclusion: Initiatives suggested to address this and change the trajectory of carers to include cancer caregivers are those at an
educational level, such as adapting
pedagogical approaches, providing funding options for carers and opportunities to
disclose they are a carer at initial application. Charities could be more
involved with educational institutions to offer advice and guidance on the
support needs of carers and the government could introduce policy specifically
aimed at carers within education to provide consistency in the support and
opportunities available to carers across the United Kingdom.
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