DataSheet1_Caregiving Burden and Coping Strategies Among Informal Caregivers of Cancer Patients in Nigeria: From Duty to Distress.pdf

ObjectivesThis 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.
MethodsA 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.
ResultsThe 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.
ConclusionThis study highlights the varying levels of caregiving burden and the predominant reliance on religious and acceptance-based coping strategies among informal caregivers in Enugu.