Sentiments, Demands and Knowledge of Informal Caregivers on Willingness to Care for Patients with Chronic Disease in the Ashanti Region, Ghana

Background: Willingness is not a stable attitude because it decreases and caregivers experience fluctuate from time to time. Objective: This study investigates the informal caregivers’ sentiments, demands, knowledge and willingness to care for patients with chronic disease in the Ashanti Region, Ghana. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive survey plan was used with 396 participants. Data were analysed using frequency distribution, Pearson’s chi-squared test of independence and binary logistic regression. Results: Statistically, significant relationship was found in all the hypotheses postulated in the study. Namely: informal caregivers’ sentiment, informal caregivers’ demands as well as informal caregivers’ knowledge and willingness to care for chronic disease patient. It was emerged that caregivers share sentiments when they realise family members fail to do more to support the patient. It was revealed that pain management as well as basic needs, turning and repositioning the patient were some of the informal care demands. The study unearthed that caregivers feel knowledgeable about providing care for the patient’s specific health needs. Conclusion: The study recommends that informal caregivers should endeavour to have time for their health while caring for the patient.