Prevalence of Anxiety and Depression among Caregivers of Children with Cerebral Palsy Attending Physiotherapy Clinics in Selected Hospitals in Yobe State, Nigeria: A Cross Sectional Study

Background: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of anxiety and depression among caregivers of children with CP attending physiotherapy clinics in Yobe State, Nigeria, and to examine associations with socio-demographic factors. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 51 caregivers of children with CP recruited from four tertiary hospitals in Yobe State of Nigeria using convenience sampling. Data were collected using a structured socio-demographic questionnaire and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Descriptive statistics summarised participant characteristics and prevalence. Chi-square tests examined associations between anxiety/depression and socio-demographic variables. Statistical significance was set at p ≤ 0.05. The manuscript was prepared in accordance with the strengthening the reporting of observational studies in epidemiology (STROBE) guidelines. Results: Most caregivers were female (66.7%) and aged 30–39 years (45.1%). The prevalence of depressive symptoms was 68.6% (35.3% borderline, 33.3% abnormal), while anxiety symptoms were reported by 66.7% (39.2% borderline, 27.5% abnormal). A statistically significant association was found between caregiver age and anxiety level (χ 2 = 60.77, df = 8, p < 0.005). No significant associations were observed between anxiety or depression and sex, educational level, caregiving hours, or number of children. Conclusion: Anxiety and depression are highly prevalent among caregivers of children with CP in Yobe State, with middle-aged caregivers particularly vulnerable. Routine psychological screening and caregiver support programmes should be integrated into physiotherapy services.