The purpose: In context of forthcoming implementation of palliative care in Serbia we aimed to evaluate and compare the quality of life (QoL) and depressive symptoms level of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) caregivers and to analyze the impact of demographic and socioeconomic factors as well as the correlation of patients' quality of life with the quality of life of caregivers.Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 200 caregivers and the patients they care for was undertaken in a three-year period. The Medical Outcomes 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) (Serbian version) was used to measure caregivers and patient’s health-related quality of life and Standard 21-item Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) was given to each study participant (patient and caregiver) in order to explore feelings and attitudes relating to general depressive status. Data were analyzed using appropriate statistical methods.Results of our study did not show a significant difference in most QoL domains and depressive symptoms of the two caregiver groups, but it did show a difference in the domain of general health (GH) and physical health (PHC) measured by the SF-36 (p=0.003 and p=0,038, respectively) in COPD caregivers. Conclusion: Particularly vulnerable caregiver group, the one that cared for patients with COPD, perceived their own general and physical health significantly worse compared to NSCLC caregivers. More depressed caregivers and those with a longer duration of unemployment (regardless of the disease type) reported poorer quality of life and represented a groups with greater support needs.
