Impact of chronic disease on the quality of life of caregiver: A cross sectional study in Baghdad / Alkarkh

Background: Chronic diseases are long-term medical conditions that require continuous care, regular monitoring, and ongoing treatment. The responsibility of caring for individuals with chronic illnesses often places a considerable burden on caregivers, impacting their emotional, physical, and social well-being. Understanding the factors that affect caregivers' quality of life is essential to prevent caregiver burnout, which can have detrimental effects on both the caregiver and the patient. Aim: This study aimed to assess the impact of chronic disease on caregivers and to identify the factors that contribute to a diminished quality of life among them. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 300 caregivers at Al-Imamain Al-Khademain Medical City and Al-Yarmouk Teaching Hospital. Data were collected through structured interviews using a questionnaire between May 1st and August 1st, 2024. Results: Assessment of caregiver quality of life revealed that 12 caregivers (4.0%) had low quality, 156 (52.0%) had moderate quality, and 132 (44.0%) had high quality of life. Significant associations were found between caregiver quality of life and variables such as age, gender, educational attainment, occupation, marital status, personal health, caregiving hours per week, and overall caregiving duration. Conclusion: The study highlighted that most caregivers experienced moderate to high levels of quality of life. Factors such as being younger, male, better educated, employed in government sectors, married, and providing fewer caregiving hours per week were associated with a better quality of life. Targeted support for at-risk caregivers may help improve their well-being.