The Burden of Care: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Psychosocial Health and Quality of Life among Caregivers of Stroke Survivors in North-Eastern Nigeria

Abstract

Abstract Background: In regions with limited formal social safety nets, the long-term management of stroke-related disability falls heavily on family networks. This study investigated the interplay between caregiving burden and Quality of Life (QoL) among those supporting stroke survivors in a tertiary healthcare setting in North-Eastern Nigeria. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among 60 primary caregivers. Assessment was performed using validated psychometric scales to evaluate the perceived burden of care and overall QoL. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests (p < 0.05) to examine the relationship between socio-demographic variables and caregiving outcomes. Results: The caregiver profile was notably young, with 68.3% aged between 20 and 40 years. Contrary to traditional Western caregiving models, sons (40.0%) and daughters (31.7%) constituted the primary support system. A substantial majority of respondents experienced significant strain, with 88.3% reporting moderate-to-high burden levels, while only 11.7% maintained a "Good" QoL. Statistical analysis revealed that neither gender, age, nor educational attainment significantly mitigated the burden (p > 0.05), indicating a pervasive psychosocial strain across all demographic strata. Conclusion: Stroke caregiving in this cohort is characterized by a "generational shift," where young adults in their peak productive years assume primary rehabilitative roles. The high prevalence of caregiver burnout underscores the urgent need for integrated family-centered support services within the Nigerian neurological rehabilitation framework. keywords: Stroke Caregiving, Caregiver Burden, Quality of Life, Neurological Rehabilitation, Young Adult Caregivers, Family-Centered Care, Psychosocial Strain, Nigeria.