Psychological Distress, Caregiver Burden, and Coping Methods Among Caregivers of Patients with cancer: A Study in a Nigerian Tertiary Institution

Abstract Caring for patients with cancer places significant emotional and physical burdens on caregivers, affecting their psychological well-being. This cross-sectional study investigated the psychological distress, caregiver burden, and coping strategies among caregivers of patients with cancer in a Nigerian tertiary institution. Methods The study involved 368 caregivers who completed questionnaires assessing their sociodemographic characteristics, psychological distress, caregiver burden, and coping methods. Results The results revealed that most caregivers were aged 31–50 years, predominantly female, and actively engaged in caregiving. Psychological distress was prevalent, with 57.1% of caregivers reporting high distress levels. The main stressors included transportation, work-related issues, fatigue, pain, worry, and fear. Caregiver burden was observed in 48.4% of the participants, with 14.7% experiencing severe burden. Coping strategies were diverse, with religious coping, planning, and active coping being the most employed. Substance use was the least favored coping method. Ineffective coping strategies were reported by 86.4% of caregivers. Caregivers aged ≤ 30 years, females with no formal education, and those lacking support experienced higher distress levels. Age, marital status, and support also influence caregiver burden. Conclusions This study identified significant associations between caregiver characteristics, psychological distress, and caregiver burden (P = < 0.001). Caregiving for patients with cancer in Nigeria is associated with psychological distress and caregiver burden. Understanding the factors contributing to distress and burdens is essential for developing targeted interventions and support systems. This study highlights the importance of addressing the unique challenges caregivers face.