Caregiving Burden and Coping Strategies Among Informal Caregivers of Cancer Patients in Nigeria: From Duty to Distress

Abstract

Objectives: This study aims at determining the caregiving burden and the coping strategies adopted by informal caregivers of patients with cancer in tertiary health facilities in Enugu state. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 105 informal caregivers of cancer patients in tertiary health facilities in Enugu State using interviewer-administered questionnaires over 6 weeks. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 27 and Chi square test of statistical significance was used to determine factors associated with caregiving burden and coping strategies. Results: The majority (27.6%) of caregivers were aged 41-50 years and females (62.9%). More than half (56.2) were not involved in the patients' Activities of Daily Living (ADL). The most commonly utilized coping mechanisms was religion (92.4%) while behavioral disengagement (1%) and self-blame (1%) were the least utilized. Factors associated with caregiving burden include educational level, duration of patient's illness and dependency of patient on caregiver. Conclusion: This study highlights the varying levels of caregiving burden and the predominant reliance on religious and acceptance-based coping strategies among informal caregivers in Enugu.