| NCT ID | NCT05867706 |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Phase | — |
| Sponsor | University of Zurich |
| Condition | Caregiver Burden |
| Study Type | OBSERVATIONAL |
| Enrollment | 150 participants |
| Start Date | 2024-10-01 |
| Primary Completion | 2027-12-31 |
Eligibility & Interventions
Eligibility Fast-Check
Enter your details for a quick preliminary check. This does not replace medical advice.
What to Expect as a Participant
This is an observational study. You will not receive an experimental treatment; researchers will collect data based on your existing condition or standard treatment.
This trial targets 150 participants in total. It began in 2024-10-01 with a primary completion date of 2027-12-31.
⚠ This information is for research awareness only. Always consult your physician before joining any clinical trial. Participation is voluntary and you may withdraw at any time.
Brief Summary
The death of a spouse is considered one of the most stressful and impactful life events and is associated with increased morbidity and premature mortality. Early identification of individuals who are most at risk for poor health outcomes following bereavement is an important aim of precision medicine and disease prevention initiatives. A better understanding of caregiver burden and bereavement-related distress and its implication for health is a clinically-relevant step toward the development of treatments that improve health outcomes in bereaved spouses. This study aims to map profiles of individual differences in short- and long-term adjustment to loss, according to psychological (e.g., depression, stress, grief severity) and biological markers (e.g., inflammation, cortisol) over time.
Eligibility 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
Contact & Investigator
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can join the NCT05867706 clinical trial?
This trial is open to participants of all sexes, aged 18 Years or older, studying Caregiver Burden. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria are listed in the Eligibility Criteria section. Always confirm your eligibility with the research team before applying.
Is NCT05867706 currently recruiting?
Yes, NCT05867706 is actively recruiting participants. Contact the research team at annina.seiler@usz.ch for enrollment information.
Where is the NCT05867706 trial being conducted?
This trial is being conducted at Zurich, Switzerland.
Who is sponsoring the NCT05867706 clinical trial?
NCT05867706 is sponsored by University of Zurich. The trial plans to enroll 150 participants.