ORIGINAL: The Burden on Caregivers and Life Satisfaction Among Caregivers of Patients with Chronic Diseases Admitted to the Emergency Department of a Tertiary Health Institution in Southwest Nigeria

West Afr J Med. April 2025; 42(4): 253-265 PMID: 40986441

Abstract

Introduction: Caregivers of patients in hospital experience enormous strain and discomfort while caring for their loved ones. The burden on caregivers while caring for a hospitalised patient is also varied and requires proper identification due to the significant role these caregivers play in the patient's outcome. Caregiver burden is related to the well-being of both the patient and caregiver; therefore, understanding the attributes associated with caregiver burden is important.

Aim: To assess the relationship between the social, emotional, financial, and family burden with life satisfaction of caregivers of patients.

Method: This was a cross-sectional study that recruited 248 adult caregivers (18 years and above) of patients with chronic diseases admitted into the Emergency Department of Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex (OAUTHC). All caregivers who consented to participate in the study had an interviewer-administered questionnaire.

Results: The mean age of caregivers was 41.27 ±15.28 years with a range of 16-89 years. More were within the age groups 21-30 years, and were mostly family members (94%). Sons/daughters were the most prevalent (39.1%), with daughters constituting 24.5% and sons were 14.6%. Majority (77.0%) of the caregivers experienced caregiver burden. The mean burden score based on the Zarit Burden Interview was 17.85±7.67 and 21.8% of the caregivers were dissatisfied with life. The rural dwellers experienced high burden and were less satisfied with life compared to the urban dwellers (p =0.029). Also, caregivers who had cared for their sick patient for three months to one year experienced higher burden compared to those who had cared for shorter duration (p=0.020).

Conclusion: Caregiver burden was present among caregivers and the level of satisfaction with life can influence burden of care.