Caregiver Burden and Quality of Life of Elderly Patients Attending a Family Medicine Geriatric Clinic at a Teaching Hospital, Osun State, South-West Nigeria

Background: Caregiver burden significantly impacts the quality of life (QoL) of elderly patients and their caregivers, particularly in resource-limited settings. This study examined this relationship among patients attending a geriatric clinic in Osogbo, Nigeria. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 316 caregivers using structured questionnaires. Data were analyzed using chi-square tests, t-tests, and logistic regression. Result: Of the 316 respondents, 53.5% were female, 60.4% married, and 59.2% held graduate degrees. The mean age was 32.91 ± 11.36 years, with an average monthly income of ₦68,322.78 ± ₦72,177.63. Caregivers spent 6.28 ± 7.28 hours daily on caregiving. Caregiver burden was reported by 47.8%, with 64.2% of patients being independent. Significant associations were found between burden and religion (p=0.017), marital status (p=0.002), education level (p=0.001), and patient dependence (p=0.001). Muslims (56.7%) and single caregivers (60.5%) experienced higher burden. Caregivers of dependent patients (66.4%) and postgraduate degree holders (90.9%) reported greater burden. Caregivers with burden were younger (31.31 ± 12.02 years) and spent more hours daily (7.42 ± 8.02 hours) compared to those without burden (34.36 ± 10.54 years; 5.23 ± 6.37 hours). Burden was significantly associated with poorer QoL in physiological (p=0.004) and environmental domains (p=0.001). Financial constraints (61.7%) and daily caregiving challenges (71.2%) were major stressors. Conclusion: Caregiver burden is prevalent and influenced by socio-demographic factors, negatively impacting QoL. Interventions such as financial aid, mental health support, and community-based programs are urgently needed to alleviate burden and improve well-being.