Caregiver Burden and Associated Factors Among Informal Caregivers of Older Persons: A Facility-Based Study in Southwest Nigeria

Context: Increasing life expectancy has led to a higher prevalence of chronic non-communicable diseases among older adults, increasing the need for long-term care. In Nigeria, informal caregivers provide most of this support, often experiencing substantial burden. However, local evidence remains limited. Objectives: To assess caregiver burden and identify associated factors among informal caregivers of older adults attending a geriatric clinic in southwest Nigeria. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 328 informal caregivers of adults aged ≥60 years at the Chief Tony Anenih Geriatric Centre, University College Hospital, Ibadan, between April and May 2024. Systematic random sampling was used. Data were collected using a pretested interviewer-administered questionnaire incorporating the Zarit Burden Interview, GHQ-12 and Shah Modified Barthel Index. Data were analysed using SPSS version 25 with descriptive statistics, chi-square tests and logistic regression at p < 0.05. Findings: The mean caregiver age was 39.5 ± 14.6 years; most were female (185, 56.4%), married, (208, 63.4%) and employed. Overall, 23.5% reported caregiver burden, while 14.6% had psychological distress. Significant predictors of burden included caregiving intensity, (OR = 3.308; 95% CI [1.376, 7.954]), psychological distress, (OR = 3.91; 95% CI [1.831, 8.357]) and care recipients’ functional status (OR = 9.215; 95% CI [1.594, 53.281]). Caregivers providing <48 hours weekly, those with psychological distress, and those caring for severely or totally impaired individuals had significantly higher odds of burden. Limitations: Findings are based on a single-centre study, limiting generalisability. Participants were drawn from one healthcare facility in Southwest Nigeria and may share similar socio-cultural and healthcare experiences. As such, the results may not fully represent the experiences of informal caregivers in different regions or care contexts. Care recipients’ sociodemographic characteristics were not assessed. Implications: Psychological support, caregiver education and structured respite programmes are needed to reduce caregiver burden and improve well-being.