Understanding caregiver stress and bereavement impacts
Official title: The Psychobiological Adjustment to Bereavement Among Cancer Caregivers
Run by University of Zurich · NCT05867706 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how the stress of caring for a dying spouse and the grief after their loss affects the health of caregivers, to see if we can find better ways to help them cope.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 150 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Zurich Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Zurich, Canton of Zurich) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 1, 2024 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2027 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | April 4, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT05867706 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are caregivers or spouses of patients with terminal illnesses who are actively involved in their care.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with significant cognitive impairments, severe medical conditions, or active malignancies may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This observational study investigates the effects of caregiver burden and bereavement on health outcomes following the loss of a spouse, particularly in the context of terminal illness. It aims to identify individual differences in psychological and biological responses to bereavement, measuring factors such as depression, stress, grief severity, inflammation, and cortisol levels over time. By mapping these profiles, the study seeks to enhance understanding of how bereavement affects both mental and physical health, contributing to the development of targeted interventions for those at risk of poor health outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved health outcomes and tailored support for bereaved caregivers.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that understanding the psychological and biological impacts of bereavement can lead to meaningful interventions, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Participant age ≥ 18 years * Caregiver or spouse of a patients suffering from a terminal illness (estimated life expectancy ≤ 6 months), * regarded as the patients primary caregiver (i.e., intimately involved in care of the patient since time of the diagnosis, looking after his/her daily needs, supervising the medications, bringing the patient to the hospital, staying with the patient during inpatient stay, and maintaining liaison with the hospital staff), * German as primary language * signed informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: * Significant visual or auditory problems, cognitive impairment, * morbid obesity (body mass index ≥40 kg/m2, * alcohol or drug abuse * active malignancy * severe illness (respiratory, heart, liver and renal failure) * major medical conditions involving the immune system (e.g., diabetes type 1 or 2, autoimmune and/ or inflammatory diseases including rheumatoid arthritis and ulcerative colitis, asthma, thyroid diseases) * severe hypertension (\>200/120 mmHg) * regular use of medication with major immunological consequences (e.g., corticosteroids, immunosuppressive therapy) * pregnant or breast-feeding
Where it's running
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University Hospital Zurich
Zurich, Canton of Zurich, Switzerland Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Annina Seiler, PD PhD
- Email: annina.seiler@usz.ch
- Phone: +41 43 253 04 02
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.